Junior Bulldog Program

UNC Asheville’s Junior Bulldog Program is not your typical college campus visit – it’s a hands-on campus adventure specifically designed for middle school students. Aimed at promoting early college awareness and preparedness, Junior Bulldogs connects middle schoolers to our faculty, staff, and students through dynamic, interactive activities that demystify the liberal arts education. The authentic university experience provides adolescents the opportunity to imagine themselves as college students and inspires them to think of higher education as a realistic goal.

“We had a FANTASTIC time at UNCA for the [Junior Bulldog Program]. It was a powerful experience for our students to step foot on a college campus and be ‘UNCA students’ for a day. They loved every activity. The whole bus ride back they talked about what kind of college they see themselves going to. Thank you for providing this enriching experience!”

– Leanne Perry, Counselor, Rugby Middle School

Sample Schedule

• 9:00 AM – Arrive on Campus
• 9:15 AM – Athletic Adventure
• 10:15 AM – Admissions Adventure
• 11:00 AM – Lunch
• 12:00 PM – Academic Adventure #1
• 12:35 PM – Academic Adventure #2
• 1:15 PM – Scavenger Hunt

LUNCH

Lunch is approximately $11.00 per person. Districts participating in the Appalachian GEAR UP grant will have their lunches covered by that grant.  All other groups must arrange their dining accommodations directly with UNC Asheville’s Dining Services after a tour is booked.

CHAPERONES

The UNC System policy regarding the protection of minors on campus requires middle school programs and activities to maintain a 1:10 student to chaperone ratio at all times. Please ensure your group arrives on campus with a sufficient number of chaperones.

Junior Bulldog Adventures

Athletic Adventure

Students participate in team-building activities with Campus Recreation staff and learn from UNC Asheville athletes about clubs on campus.

Admission Adventure

Through a lively presentation, we demystify what college and the college application process are all about. Students learn what they can do in middle school to start preparing for their own postsecondary path. The presentation also covers basic information about financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

Academic Adventure

These hands-on, interactive mini-classes are taught by UNC Asheville faculty and student club members and give middle schoolers an introduction to the various majors offered on campus and what those majors are all about.

Questions? Contact the Office of Postsecondary Planning and Preparation