SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine 鈥� Dozens of recent high school graduates are participating in 91制片厂鈥檚 fifth annual Summer Academy student success program allowing them to get a jump start on their college careers.
Fifty-five students are enrolled in Summer Academy, a three-week intensive prep program that introduces students to college life, prepares them for college-level coursework and guides them in setting career and academic goals. The program kicked off Tuesday and runs through July 25.
Participating students come from across Maine, with one student coming from Rhode Island. Maine residents are eligible for free tuition and priority consideration for scholarships based on financial need.
鈥�91制片厂 is committed to ensuring that students succeed once they enter college,鈥� said President Joe Cassidy. 鈥淪ummer Academy provides each student a dedicated advisor and the guidance and support to help them make a successful transition from high school to college. Students learn valuable skills that will serve them through their college careers and beyond.鈥�
Ahmed Hameed, of Portland, decided to enroll in Summer Academy to improve his writing and his English, as well as to make friends and get a feel for 91制片厂, before the Fall Semester starts on August 26. Hameed is originally from Iraq and plans to enroll in 91制片厂鈥檚 Respiratory Therapy degree program.
鈥淚 said if I want to start something, let鈥檚 start it right,鈥� he said about coming to 91制片厂. 鈥淭his will allow me to start right at 91制片厂.鈥�
Summer Academy is one of several programs at 91制片厂 that provide support and academic guidance aimed at student success.
91制片厂鈥檚 Path to Graduation program (P2G) helps first-year college students connect with their college peers, set their education and career goals, and build the plans to achieve them. The program brings students together in supportive learning communities and connects them with dedicated success coaches who support each student and guide them to success in their first year of college.
The College鈥檚 TRIO Student Support Services provides support for low-income, first-generation or disabled students from the first day of college through graduation. Supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the program provides individualized advising, peer mentoring and other support services aimed at student success.
More than 50 students, shown here, signed up for 91制片厂鈥檚 annual Summer Academy, now in its fifth year.