A group of Hmong College Prep Academy students recently arrived home from a weeklong tour of 15 East Coast colleges and universities. Destinations on the over 3,000-mile journey included Boston College, University of Connecticut and Harvard University as well as a number of smaller schools.

Campus visits featured standard activities such as library and dorm tours as well as stops at noted campus-specific spots. For instance at Boston University, the group toured classrooms and labs in the College of Human and Physical Science and College of Engineering. While visiting Seton Hall University, tour guides informed students about the myth of the seal, a large piece of granite engraved with the university’s name and crest that is located on the University Green. “We were told that if you want to graduate, you’d better not step on the seal,” warned a cautious HCPA student.

“We’re very motivated for our students to further their education after they graduate from high school,” stated HCPA Superintendent Dr. Christianna Hang. “Programming such as the East Coast College Tour provides them the opportunity to experience firsthand the atmosphere of a major university.”

School College and Scholarship Manager Toni Marie O’Daniel echoed Dr. Hang’s sentiments.

“Our East Coast Campus Tour serves as a testament to HCPA’s college-focused curriculum. It’s exciting to witness our students experience the wonderful educational opportunities that exist outside the Twin Cities. The tour also gave students the additional information needed to help in choosing the school that provides them with the best fit.”

Though a significant amount of time was spent touring colleges, the group did find time to enjoy local attractions including New York City’s Ellis Island and Time Square. In Boston, students visited the city’s famed Chinatown neighborhood and Harvard Square.

Hmong College Prep Academy is located at 1515 Brewster Street in St. Paul, just southeast of the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. For more information about the school or to take a tour, interested parties can call 651-209-8002 or online at www.hcpak12.org.