NMU is hosting Walton Charter Academy’s sixth grade class for a three-day college immersion program.

MARQUETTE -- They haven't even hit their teens yet, but one group of sixth graders is already trying their hand at college.   

Over 70 students from Walton Charter Academy of Pontiac, Michigan are getting a glimpse of college life at NMU.  They will be exposed to dorm keys, meal cards, and hour-and-a-half long courses of their choosing.  Like real college students, they had over 26 courses to pick from.

"Chemistry courses, ecology courses - we have an economics course.  So we’re trying to offer a myriad of courses for the students,” said Dr. Joe Lubig of NMU’s School of Education and the organizer of the program. 

This program is a result of a growing partnership NMU has with its charter schools, and Walton Charter Academy is thrilled to be the first school invited to the campus.

"It's an opportunity to put the idea of college into their heads by giving them a real world experience, giving them a look,” said Christopher Williams, Sr., the student services coordinator for Walton Charter Academy. 

The students also appreciate this rare opportunity.

“I can know all about what they do in college and what kind of activities they do,” said 12-year-old Joshua Johnson.  

His cousin, Jeremiah Johnson, couldn’t agree more.  He said, "I want to feel the college experience and how it feels to be in college and take their college courses." 

Lubig says this experience was made possible by NMU professors, students, and even community members graciously giving their time to create courses for the students.

"It continues to impress me how the people of Northern's campus and the people in Marquette County consistently contribute to kids.  It's overwhelming.  All you have to do is ask,” said Lubig. 

The program will end Friday morning, but NMU and Walton Charter Academy hope this experience will be the start of a long-term partnership and are already planning next year's event--an outdoor excursion for the students.