An up-and-coming program at Ferris State University is enabling students to do more
than just bring the culture of their communities to Ferris – it allows current students
to take a little of the Ferris spirit back home.
Hometown Recruiters, a volunteer program sponsored by the Admissions Office, enables students from Ferris to reconnect with students from their former high schools. When current students return home, they share the experiences and personal success stories they’ve had as part of college life.
“Ferris students like this program because they’re able to take ownership of their old high school, reconnect with the students they find there and really get involved in the recruitment process,” said Amber Balmer, Student Success admissions recruiter. “We want to give students the opportunity to serve and mentor high school students from their hometowns.”
The Hometown Recruiters refine their leadership and public speaking skills as they earn volunteer hours for their time spent working with high school students. With more than 50 students already committed to recruiting, Balmer expects that number to increase.
She explained that Ferris students are excited about the opportunity to provide future students with an early connection to the campus. Balmer also noted that Ferris students who invest the time to visit their former schools can add a positive influence to the lives of the current high school students touched by the program.
“For a high school student, this is a chance they may not always get,” Balmer said. “Talking to a real student who attends the college they’re interested in is an opportunity that could very well impact their choice of school – a decision that will impact the rest of their lives.”
Current Ferris students interested in becoming a Hometown Recruiter can attend upcoming informational sessions on Tuesday, Nov. 30 at 11 a.m. or 6 p.m. in IRC 120.