Kalamazoo Times

Nearly 1,200 ninth-grade students from Kalamazoo Public Schools will visit Western Michigan University (WMU) as part of the Bronco Buds program this November. The visits, scheduled for November 13 and 20, aim to give students an early introduction to college life and the academic opportunities available at WMU.

The Bronco Buds initiative is a collaborative effort between Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS) and WMU. The program offers high school freshmen an immersive experience on campus, including exposure to various academic programs and guidance on preparing for college during their high school years.

“We’re excited to welcome these students to Western and show them the possibilities ahead of them,” said Dr. Chris Cheatham, WMU’s interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Whether they already have a concrete plan for their future or they’re just starting to explore, we’re ready to meet students where they are, ignite sparks of curiosity about potential future paths and start that process of preparing for the next step—wherever it takes them.”

The daylong event will begin at Read Fieldhouse with a pep rally featuring performances by the WMU pep band and cheer squad. Students will hear remarks from Cheatham; Dr. Darrin Slade, KPS superintendent; Von Washington Jr., CEO of The Kalamazoo Promise; as well as leaders from student organizations such as Kalamazoo Promise Scholars, sororities and fraternities, and WMU student-athletes.

After lunch at Valley Dining Center, participants will tour different academic colleges based on their interests. For example, those interested in nursing will visit the College of Health and Human Services while prospective business majors can explore Schneider Hall in the Haworth College of Business.

“For students who have never been on a college campus, this program allows them to experience the excitement of living and learning on a vibrant campus like Western Michigan University,” said Slade. “And, all students benefit from being exposed to a variety of curricular programs and expanding their understanding of the career opportunities that await them with a college education. KPS is excited to continue this partnership with WMU to ensure students are able to envision their future selves thriving on a college campus.”

WMU’s Office of Precollege Programming is also expanding its outreach efforts beyond Bronco Buds. In spring 2026, three pilot career pathway visits will be offered for 11th graders from Loy Norrix High School who are interested in majors within WMU’s College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, or Haworth College of Business. Up to 150 juniors will spend time engaging with faculty members in areas such as communication technology labs or engineering presentations.

Students may also visit local businesses like Sleeping Giant Capital in downtown Kalamazoo alongside co-founder Dr. Doug Lepisto—a WMU associate professor—where university students collaborate directly with business professionals.

“It is our hope that these highly interactive and detailed pathway visits will intensify these high school students’ interest in postsecondary opportunities, allowing them to see themselves in careers they might not have before,” said Dr. Erika Carr, director of precollege programming. “As a first-generation college student myself, I know how important it can be to see the possibilities that lie ahead, and we want to open not just windows but doors for all the youth we work with.”

Additionally, Western Michigan University has received $13.7 million through a federal grant aimed at boosting college readiness among middle schoolers across five districts in southwest Michigan starting this fall. This funding provides ongoing support—including tutoring services and summer camps—to more than 2,500 students throughout middle school up until their first year in college.

“Our goal is to give students as much exposure as possible to what’s out there,” Carr said,“and help set them up for success in school and in life.”

For further updates about university news or events: WMU News online.