LYNCHBURG (WSLS 10) - A program in Central Virginia is encouraging elementary school students to pursue higher education.
It's a part of a week long college fair put on for the second year by Lynchburg's Beacon of Hope.
More than 800 students from nine elementary schools are participating.
Students research a two or four-year college and then present what they've learned.
"I get to tell people about my school. Tell them my name and tell them a lot of facts," said Mackenzie Turner, a student at Bedford Elementary School.
"It's a good idea to introduce the idea of future thinking and college to students that are not yet in high school," said Rachel Madigan, Director of Beacon of Hope.
Students wore graduation caps and gowns, to get into the college spirit.