VCD Youth Get Firsthand Look at College Life During SVSU Visit
In August, youth participants from Victorious Community Development’s Summer Youth Program embarked on an inspiring journey to Saginaw Valley State University. The visit offered a dynamic blend of education, exploration, and empowerment, giving students a firsthand look at what college life and career pathways in health and human services could mean for their futures.
The day began inside SVSU’s Health and Human Services building, where students met faculty, staff, and students from several academic programs. They were introduced to Occupational Therapy, learning how practitioners help people regain independence after illness or injury. Demonstrations showed the importance of adaptive tools and techniques that allow patients to return to daily activities.
In Social Work, the youth learned how professionals provide support for families, children, and vulnerable populations. Conversations highlighted the skills needed to advocate for others and the rewarding role social workers play in strengthening communities.
The Physical Therapy program gave students a chance to see how science, movement, and patient care come together. They were able to observe therapy techniques and understand how PTs help people recover mobility and improve quality of life. For some, it was the first time they considered how science and compassion could merge into a single career.
The tour also introduced the broader scope of SVSU’s Health and Human Services offerings, including areas such as Exercise Science, Medical Laboratory Science, and Neuroscience. Each presentation emphasized not only the technical training involved but also the impact these careers have on the health and well-being of society.
After their academic sessions, the group had lunch in the student dining hall, where the variety of food choices became an unexpected highlight. For many, the freedom to choose their own meals felt like a small but powerful taste of college independence.
The Admissions Department then led a full campus tour, guiding the youth through dormitories, classrooms, and study spaces. The walk across campus gave them a sense of scale and possibility, helping them imagine themselves as college students navigating classes, activities, and friendships.
By the end of the visit, the students expressed excitement and curiosity about higher education, especially the many paths available in health and human services. The experience provided more than exposure; it gave them tools to dream bigger and envision themselves in roles that uplift both individuals and entire communities.
VCD would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Marcia Ditmeyer, Dean of the College of Health & Human Services, for her continued support throughout the year to our students and parents.
