Eric Machan Howd: Welcoming High School Students to Experience College Life this July

Many of us know Eric Machan Howd as a popular faculty member and administrator in this region’s higher education institutions – Binghamton University, SUNY Cortland, Cornell University, Ithaca College (IC), and Tompkins Cortland Community College.
But only one partner, Dr. Katharyn Howd Machan, knows the many interests Eric juggles along with his full-time job, including poetry and music. Katharyn is also a popular professor at Ithaca College, a world renowned poet, and a local belly dancer and member of Mirage Belly Dancers of Ithaca. Eric, who has been a resident of Ithaca, NY, for thirty-three years, balances his poetry, music, and educational leadership with as much time as he can spend with his grown kids (CoraRose and Benjamin) and his granddaughter (Scarlett). Two admired poets and educators in one lively, loving household. 

When reflecting on his graduation from Ithaca College, Eric recalls what a big step it was to leave his hometown of Wall, New Jersey, and land on a campus to begin an uncharted journey. Sometime later and after many fruitful years on the faculty, Eric stepped up to an administrative position in the Provost’s office as the Director of the Office of Extended Studies, where he oversees summer and winter session courses, ROTC, the Ithaca College – Cornell – Wells College exchange program, the Summer College for High School Students, the Summer Theatre Conservatory, and some professional certificate programs (like the Opera Direction Certificate). 

In his new role at IC, Eric has been hard at work planning a month-long intro to college for high school students, which offers a dynamic way for teens to get a feel for college, while earning college credit, and having fun. He urges us to help young people consider these summer residential programs. He also wants us to know that commuters are also very welcome to apply.

Offered in July (July 03 through July 21), IC’s residential, on-campus experiences for high school students are designed to nurture students in the transition to college. Students can choose from a variety of inventive courses for college credit, such as Wildlife Tracking and Nature Observation, Introduction to Personal Health, Chemsational! (a Chemistry-based course), and Public Speaking and the Career Pathway. There is also a special track in Imaginative Writing via the Ithaca Young Writers Institute, which is also a part of the Summer Pre-College Program for High School Students. Here is some more information about these programs:

Summer College for High School Students – Summer college gives students the chance to experience the kind of uncommon and inventive courses they’ll take as undergraduates.

Summer Theatre Conservatory – Home to one of the top-ranked musical theater programs in the country, the Ithaca College Summer Theatre Conservatory offers participants an intensive musical theater training and prepares them for the college audition process.

Early applications to IC’s summer pre-college programs are encouraged to guarantee a space. Eric said that Ithaca College’s summer pre-college programs are geared for individuals aged 14 or older, entering 9th grade, or in high school (or equivalent). The programs will run Monday, July 3 through Friday, 21, 2023. Participants electing to stay overnight on campus check-in on Sunday, July 2. Commuting students are very welcome.

Eric summarizes what this opportunity at IC can provide.

“Ithaca College’s summer pre-college programs provide high school students with an opportunity to earn three college credits while experiencing residential living on a college campus. Students learn hands-on about general college life, succeeding in the classroom, and making the most of life outside of classes, all under the guidance of experienced and supportive Ithaca College faculty, Teaching Assistants, and Residential Advisors (or “RAs”).

In closing, Eric adds that young people who participate in IC’s pre-college programs will experience what college is like while living and learning at Ithaca College in beautiful Ithaca, NY. And, for parents, grandparents, and those concerned that no student be left behind—think about the unspent savings in the College 529 and I Bond accounts you have been salting away a few dollars at a time each paycheck. 

Supporting one of your grandchildren financially in one of the pre-college programs may be a great way to withdraw that money without the usual tax consequences, or offer to help someone whose family needs a boost, so their young person will aspire to work hard and go to college after this life-changing opportunity at Ithaca College.

With something for everyone, Eric, and the Ithaca College community, hope to see your student on South Hill this summer! 

For more information on the Pre-College programs see ithaca.edu/pre-college-programs. Questions about summer Pre-College programs can be directed to summercollege@ithaca.edu.Eric welcomes inquiries from parents, students and generous grandparents and others willing to help young people enjoy a preview of college life. You can reach him at ehowd@ithaca.edu or at 607-274-1325.