DePaul University's Center for Urban Education will join four other Chicago area colleges and universities in the "Kids to College" program, which introduces Chicago elementary school children to college life during a day-long field trip beginning May 15. The program is designed to encourage children to begin working toward attending an institution of higher education.

Between 300 and 400 Chicago elementary school students will visit DePaul, Columbia, Roosevelt and Chicago State this spring in a program funded by a grant from Sallie Mae, the federal educational grant/loan program.

The students will spend a day at each school to acquaint them with college life. In addition, a class curriculum and a college student will be sent to the students' classroom to answer questions about higher education.

"'Kids to College' is not just a field trip," said Andre Wilson, DePaul coordinator for the program. "It shows kids that they have control over their lives and that the decision they will make at an early age will affect them for a lifetime."

This year DePaul wants greater parent participation in the program, said Wilson.

"We want to show the adults that college is not an unattainable venture and that their kids should begin working to attend college at a young age, he said."

The Chicago elementary schools visiting DePaul will be Friedrick Von Schiller, 640 W. Scott St., on May 15; Henry Suder, 2020 W. Washington Blvd., on May 19; Helen Hefferan, 4409 W. Wilcox St., on May 20 and Richard E. Byrd Community Academy, 363 W. Hill St., on May 28.

For more information contact Wilson at 773/325-7000, ext. 2630.