The College 4 Kids (C4K) program made a triumphant return to Knox College during the weeks of July 8-19 after a hiatus since 2019. Led by Assistant Professor of Educational Studies and Director of Teacher Education Mary Lyons, the program relaunch was successful, with enthusiastic participation from 255 local children.

This year’s program offered 60 courses across various disciplines with 32 teachers leading the way, including 23 art offerings, 18 humanities/social sciences, and 18 math and science courses. A team of college and high school student fellows was vital to ensuring that participating youth were able to engage with the College on a new level, while also helping navigate courses held throughout campus. 

Lyons found joy in the gratitude of the participants and their families. Ultimately, she hopes that the return of C4K will help local children feel a sense of belonging at Knox, serving as a bridge to the college community that many have lived nearby their entire lives.

Lyons emphasized the program’s value in providing enrichment courses beyond what public schools typically offer. “Whether it’s podcasting or barbering, College 4 Kids helps students transfer foundational skills into creative outlets,” she explained. Moving forward, Lyons hopes to keep students passionate about learning during the summer and help them understand the relevance of their education through creative and critical thinking contexts.

Addison Anderson '23, a local instructor at Lombard Middle School, returned to campus to teach at C4K. She taught a class called “Marvelous Machines,” where 3rd-8th grade kids built Rube Goldberg machines, and a junior program class for 1st-2nd graders, “Introduction to Improv.” For Anderson, teaching in the program was a full circle moment, pulling together her experiences as a recent Knox graduate and transferring them to the next generation.

Now having built local connections, she said it was fulfilling showing her alma mater to the children in her classes and helping share her enthusiasm for Knox. “It was fun seeing the creativity of the little ones and trying to match their energy every day,” she added.

Participating parents expressed their gratitude for the revival of the program, sharing their excitement about what it brings to Galesburg.

Kyle Worby, a resident of Galesburg, was thrilled to have a positive summer activity for kids. His son, Olin, took part in C4K and was cheerful as he walked around campus among his peers. “This is a great extra option for kids of all ages to take part in,” Kyle Worby said, noting his eagerness for future C4K opportunities.

Desiree Mixon-Guenther’s children, Aira and Acen, both took part in C4K and enjoyed taking part in dance classes and “Puzzlemania,” respectively. A lifelong resident of Galesburg, Mixon-Guenther relished the option of an educationally focused event for her kids to engage with during the summer, keeping their minds sharp before school resumed in August. “There were a ton of things they could learn. Barbery, art, we looked through all of the options and couldn’t decide what to pick!” she added.

The program concluded with a send-off ceremony and Pumphandle event for attending students and parents to further take part in Knox traditions. The return of C4K to Knox College was a success, leaving participants and their families eager for next year’s event in July.