Carbondale Middle School and SIU Carbondale say they'll work together to help children dream bigger. Carbondale District 95 Superintendent Daniel Booth says the goal of the mentoring program is to encourage young students not to settle for just high school.
"You know it's so important for our students to begin to think about college, early. And for them to see Salukis around them at all times. It will not only inspire them, but it will also allow them to dream about what is next in their life."
University Chancellor Austin Lane wants to make a seamless path for students into SIU.
"We need to make sure that we create that bridge, from his schools all the way to SIU-C, which is, right here in the backyard."
Lane says often by the time a student is a Senior in High School, their college decision, is already made.
