After a successful return last summer, the popular Knox College 4 Kids enrichment program continued its growth into the 2025 summer. The two-week summer program saw close to 300 students take summer enrichment courses from Knox College's current and retired faculty, public and private Pre-K-12 educators, community educators and members, and Knox students.

“We had close to 300 kids, but it did not feel wild; it was very well-orchestrated. We had a lot going on, but everything went well,” assistant professor of educational studies and director of teacher education Mary Lyons, who leads the enrichment program, said. 

The program provides learning opportunities for students entering grades 1-8 that may not be available in their typical schooling contexts and provides opportunities for instructors to teach to their passions.

“We had some teachers who were teaching puzzles, problem solving, mindful moments with nature, and rocket building,” Lyons said. “We also had a Taylor Swift class, a Galesburg history class, and anything that allows a teacher to teach their passion outside of what they teach during the school year.”

“We wanted to give the students wide-ranging classes that meet their interests but also as much a taste of the arts, humanities, and sciences as possible to get that balance of a liberal arts experience.”

Lyons said, with so many new and young faces on campus, that it took a village to bring everything together. 

“We had 26 teachers and 24 fellows, including staff and many others helping with logistics, answering questions, and doing a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff,” Lyons said. “The infrastructure at Knox was amazing, and campus safety was so visible with making sure the kids are safe. From building facilities to the custodial staff—we had so much support; we cannot run a program like this without their help. I want them to know how much gratitude I have—the teachers, staff, and administration.”

The enrichment program also had plenty of support from off-campus as well.

“(Galesburg School) District 205 was willing to pay for 300 full tuition scholarships for District 205 students, and 228 utilized those scholarships, which is a huge contribution,” Lyons said. “We had a lot of huge partnerships, huge investments in the program, which is a great sign of partnership between the community and the College. At Knox, we talk about wanting to be in partnership with the community, and Knox College 4 Kids is a visible, tangible way to do that.”

Educators also appreciated the two-week courses, offering an opportunity for students to learn something new and different.

As an elementary education graduate, Ellie Courtemanche ’25 was able to get her first solo teaching experience at College 4 Kids, leading the Kitchen Adventures class.

“It’s been a little nerve-wracking at first, but I also think this is a good first entry into teaching,” Courtemanche said. 

Hands-on learning and educating made the experience more fulfilling for all, as smaller-than-normal class sizes gave teachers the chance to offer more one-on-one instruction.

“I can work with a few at a time on cutting while the rest can work independently, so it’s nice getting to know each kid. This does help me feel more a part of Galesburg, getting to know the kids and their families personally,” Courthmanche said.

And it was not just the students and educators who were able to get involved in the program. On the final day, Knox College 4 Kids opened its doors for families, friends, and supporters to get a look at what projects the students completed.

“On the final day, we invited families to attend. In addition, to the nearly 300 kids, we had siblings, parents, grandparents on campus, breaking down any divisions between town and gown separation.” Lyons said. 

Creating a bond and a love of learning are only two aspects that make College 4 Kids a popular experience, as teachers can share their love of different subject matters with learners.

The engagement was indeed popular as the program grew by nearly 40 participants. That growth, along with the community and campus involvement, has Lyons already looking forward to what is next for Knox College 4 Kids.

“It all came together so well this year,” she said. “I’m proud of it and can’t wait to refine it and make it better for next year.”

View photos from this year's Knox College 4 Kids and learn more about the program by visiting our Facebook page.