While many middle school students around Kansas City are just launching into their summer, some will return to the classroom starting this week. They’re part of the Hurtado Scholars Program, and they will spend the next five weeks working to position themselves to be successful when the time comes for them to attend Rockhurst.
Former Rockhurst teacher Father Bill Sheahan, SJ, started Hurtado Scholars in 2012, with the first students enrolling in 2013. Named after St. Alberto Hurtado, who helped impoverished boys throughout his native Chile in the mid-20th century, the program aims to find boys from around Kansas City who could benefit from a Jesuit Catholic education, but, for one reason or another, might not be able to attain it.
“They realized, as a Jesuit school, they wanted this to reflect Kansas City from all backgrounds and all walks of life,” current program director Anthony Re said.
The mission of the program is expansive.
“The program aims to help these scholars develop leadership skills, expand artistic and cultural awareness, grow in Christian faith, improve academic and study skills, and prepare for high school admission,” Re said.
Leaders at schools throughout the Diocese of Kansas City/St. Joseph suggest students for Hurtado Scholars.
“Principals nominate them as students when they’re finishing their 5th grade year that they think have a lot of potential and would be really great students here at Rockhurst,” Re said.
Students start participating in the Hurtado Scholars Summer Program during the summer before their 6th grade year and continue to do so through the summer before their 8th grade year. They graduate from the program before they start their freshman year at Rockhurst.
Their commitment doesn’t end when the Summer Program concludes at the end of June, though. They also meet several times over the course of the school year.
“They’re here every other Saturday morning, from 8:30 to 12:30,” Re said. “They’re having academic classes including language arts and math during that time.”
The students are also building bonds with each other and with Rockhurst staff that they will be able to carry into their high school experience.
“The greatest thing about the program is it is all about relationships,” Re said. “Once you have those established relationships, and we know their families, their families know us, it becomes a great thing.”
