LEWISTON, Maine -- Between 60 and 70 high school students of color will visit the Bates College campus to experience a three-day weekend of college life from Oct. 24 through Oct. 26.

African American, Latino, Asian, and Native American students from around the country will take part in the 18th annual "October Weekend," designed to acquaint them with the academic and extracurricular offerings of the college. Outstanding students selected for the program are provided with housing and board as guests of Bates. The college also provides travel scholarships to those needing assistance with transportation costs.

"For many young students of color, a liberal arts education is an opportunity to develop talents through community, small class size and research opportunities and can become the stepping stone to a successful, rewarding career," said Carmita McCoy, associate dean of admissions and director of multicultural recruitment at Bates.

The three-day experience includes a campus tour, an admissions interview, workshops on financial aid and applying to college, classroom visits, meetings with faculty, a talent show and a banquet.

Founded in 1855, Bates has a long history of egalitarianism. Since its inception, Bates has been open to students of all racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds and has the distinction of being one of the oldest coeducational institutions in the United States. "October Weekend" reflects Bates' continuing interest in attracting a diverse student body.