Withrow Pathway to Lindner program challenges, motivates students
Three graduates of Cincinnati Public Schools’ Withrow University High School of Business credit the partnership between the school and the Carl H. Lindner College of Business for their enrollment in the college.
The beginning of a new academic year can be a whirlwind for newly arrived first-year students. But, for some, their high school experience prepared them for the world that awaited them once they crossed into Lindner Hall.
The Withrow University High School of Business Pathway to Lindner program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to engage in college-level coursework and receive mentorship from existing students.
Brandon Mapp, Kangan Bawa and Laila Moussaoui are all alumni of the program and are now enrolled at Lindner. Their unique experiences in the program prepared them to tackle the challenges first-year students often face, including workload management.
Brandon Mapp, BBA '28.
“It's definitely helped me prepare for college, knowing that it's going to be a challenge,” said Mapp, who is also part of the Lindner Business Honors program. “I didn't think college classes were going to be easy, but because she [the teacher] challenged us like we were college students while in high school, it prepared me. It was hard, but it's definitely helped me.”
Taking college-level classes while in high school allows students to get a preview of the academic rigor and expectations of college, helping them feel more prepared.
Bawa also knew she wouldn’t be able to slack off upon arriving at Lindner. The hands-on experience and ability to connect with professors through the program reduced Bawa’s stress by giving her a better understanding of what to expect in college.
“That prepared me so much to say ‘when I go to class, this is the way I have to do my assignment, and that's the only way I can connect with the professor.’ That helped me so that it gave me a preview what to expect, so I don't come in feeling like ‘OK, this is a lot of work on me, a lot of stress.’”
In addition to the business coursework offered by the school, students have access to five Lindner courses: financial accounting, introduction to microeconomics, essentials of entrepreneurship, English composition and college algebra. These courses are available at no cost to students via the State of Ohio’s College Credit Plus program.
I didn't know what I wanted to do in life. But now that I've experienced the Lindner program, I am so excited to take my classes and actually put myself out there and engage with other people.
Laila Moussaoui BBA '28
Bawa credits being able to test-drive different disciplines through her coursework with helping her to find her passion for accounting, now her major at Lindner.
“When I actually learned about accounting, when I took the classes and the job shadowing, I felt this was something I really wanted to do, and that also helped me to know more about accounting,” said Bawa. “It's not just about money. It's also about the different fields that go in accounting.”
Now that their Lindner journeys have begun, all three look forward to taking advantage of Lindner’s signature co-op program for career discovery and professional development.
“I'm actually looking forward to the co-ops and internships. I want to put myself out there and see what I really want to do as a career,” said Moussaoui.
“I can't wait to do co-op,” expressed Mapp. “I know that it's required and that we have to do three semesters of it, so I'm ready to go on co-op and just be more involved.”
The overall program experience helps give students a sense of direction and acts as a way to channel their passions and interests into their studies.
“I didn't know what I wanted to do in life,” said Moussaoui. “But now that I've experienced the Lindner program, I am so excited to take my classes and actually put myself out there and engage with other people.”
Featured image at top: Exterior of Lindner Hall. Photo by Alex Fradkin.
Interested in the Pathway to Lindner College of Business program?
The Carl H. Lindner College of Business and Withrow University High School of Business have partnered to provide opportunities for high school students to engage with university-level business coursework. Learn more about the Pathway to Lindner program.
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