College Exploration Trip Option
J-Term at Traders Point Christian Academy
J-Term is an innovative curricular feature modeled after the college January term concept that is designed to increase
learning opportunities for TPCA students. Students may experience educational options beyond the normal high school
curriculum; having the unique opportunity to literally travel around the world through a variety of educational and
mission trips. In addition, as junior and seniors, students have the rare opportunity to experience a profession first-hand
through internships, before deciding on a college major or future career.
College Trip Goals:
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To prepare and equip students for God's calling on their lives through experiences with other people and
cultures within the USA while exposing them to many different sizes and types of colleges. Our goal is to remove
any barriers or fears that would hinder a student's obedience to God's call.
Service project guiding students to grow in their faith and experience other cultures
Learn about life skills required for success in the university setting
Explore different university types to determine best fit: size of college or city/town; private or public; faith-based
or secular. This exposure improves their college choice decision and application success rate.
Identify skills and characteristics universities seek from applicants
Experience different modes of transportation (plane, train, public local transportation)
Gain a sense of university community to prepare them and begin to ease any anxiety
Trip Highlights:
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Visiting different sizes and types of universities in different sizes and types of cities and towns
o Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO
o Denver Seminary & University of Denver
o Grand Canyon University
o Arizona Christian & Northern Arizona University
o UCLA and USC
o Biola and Vanguard
Talking with admission officers at each university
Attending a local church such as Saddleback Church or Korean American Church
Pre-arranged short-term internships or business visits like Oakley Sunglasses available
Attend a university basketball game
Visit to local sites like the Pacific Ocean beach, Universal, Hollywood or Grand Canyon
Serving at a local ministry building, serving homeless or children for example
**See sample trip itinerary on reverse side**
SAMPLE TRIP SCHEDULE
Wednesday
Arrive Denver ; Drive to Colorado Springs- Air Force Academy for tour with admissions
Visit Garden of the Gods
Overnight in Glen Eyrie Castle
Thursday
Breakfast included at hotel (each day)
Visit Denver Seminary, Littleton, CO
Lunch at Denver Seminary with Admissions Staff
Visit University of Denver; Self guided scavenger hunt
16th St Shopping/Denver Pavilions
Overnight at Days Inn and Suites
Friday
Fly to Phoenix
Visit with admissions and tour Grand Canyon University & Arizona Christian University
Dinner Rainforest Café
Overnight at Best Western Plus Tempe
Saturday
Breakfast at hotel.
Service day: make burritos for the homeless; distribute Burritos; afternoon – painting house of elderly woman
Evening – Spent with youth of New City Phoenix
Sunday
Church –Korean American church
Visit Desert Botanical Garden or Phoenix Zoo – Christmas Lights will still be up
Dinner Hard Rock Café
Monday
Drive Flagstaff
Visit with admissions and tour Northern Arizona University
Tour Museum of Northern Arizona
Walk around/eat dinner downtown Flagstaff
Amtrak train overnight to Fullerton, CA
Tuesday
Arrive at Fullerton via Amtrak; Take Metrolink train to Tustin, CA
Vanguard University tour and admissions presentation
Overnight Ayers Hotel Costa Mesa, CA
Huntington Beach/Free Time; dinner Ruby’s on the Pier
Wednesday
Tour UCLA & USC , talk with admissions
Sightseeing : Griffith Park Observatory (view Hollywood sign); Hollywood Sign; Hollywood and Highland Center
Chinese Theater, Walk of Fame
Dinner in Hollywood
Thursday
Visit with admissions and tour Biola University
Universal Studios – Dinner at Universal CityWalk or come back to hotel for pizza.
Friday
Depart California for Indianapolis through Phoenix on Southwest Airlines