It's lunchtime at Frank Hall on the Colgate campus but the tables are filled with 8th and 10th graders, all of them in the middle of a unique college visit.

"The experience. I got a really good experience of college," said Pelham Prep Sophomore Jeremiah Sieunarine.

Jeremiah was part of a busload of students who made the trip from Pelham Prep in the Bronx to Colgate.

The college meshed together a group from Pelham and a group from Cherry Valley-Springfield in Otsego County two very different backgrounds sharing a glimpse of the collegiate life.

Simone Tobin is a Pelham Guidance Counselor he says this experience helps to open doors for the students. "They have to sort of experience the world, and sometimes you have to take them out of their small world and let them see that there's more to what they can see beyond their window."

"I had no idea who they are and everything, so you just get to know them," said Cherry Valley 8th Grader Emily Vesely.

"They at least get an opportunity to share perspectives with students from other environments, urban environments," said Charles Strange, Cherry Valley-Springfield HS Principal.

"A little mixing and mingling. Having fun today," said Chrissaida Crawford, Pelham Prep Sophomore.

Students from both schools benefited from the program. Those from the Bronx get to set foot on a traditional college campus. Those from Cherry Valley get exposed to the diversity on a college campus.

From going to classes to checking out the student union, it wasn't just a chance to forge friendships it was a chance to chart the courses of their lives.

"It's a visual of where their future can be. It allows kids to have that visual before coming here. It gives them something to look forward to, something to strive for," said Shaena Stabler, Colgate student tour guide.

And for now, they're setting their sights on something.

"Uhh, forensics. I hear they have a really good forensics program here,” Chrissaida Crawford said.

"I keep asking about music,” Emily Vesely stated.

"Forensic science," added Jeremiah Sieunarine.

And after their joint experience, who knows? They may very well find themselves next to each other in some lecture hall a few years down the road. At least they'll have a jump start on making a few new friends.