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SALISBURY, MD---When ºÚÁÏÍø made its request for assistance through the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER) during summer 2020, part of that request was intended to coordinate a college readiness boot camp, serving local high school juniors and seniors.

The financial portion was approved last fall, catapulting coordinators into preparation for the program, which features two sessions: one for high school juniors this spring and the other for rising high school seniors this summer.

The program will help students who are considering college to be better prepared for that experience, not only educationally, but from an independent perspective, with an eye toward entering the workforce after earning their bachelor’s degrees.

The junior program began in March and continues through June, with segments including “Choosing a Career Path,” “Thinking Globally,” “Preparing for College Success,” “Financial Literacy and College Debt,” “Study Skills and Test Taking” and more.

Along with taking these courses, participants also have the opportunity to meet with current SU students to discuss college life, classes, time management and any other questions they may have.    

The summer session, beginning in July, builds upon many of areas covered in the junior program, especially for students who may be able to attend both.

Enrollment for each session has reached maximum capacity of 100 students from Wicomico County Public Schools and other Eastern Shore districts. Organizers hope to culminate the sessions by bringing participants to campus for a tour or other celebratory event, while still observing SU’s COVID-19 protocols.

“We are thrilled to have been a recipient of the GEER funding to be able to develop this program for our local high school students who are exploring life after high school and considering furthering their education in college,” said Dr. Laurie Henry, dean of SU’s Samuel W. and Marilyn C. Seidel School of Education and principal investigator for the program.

“Deciding to take that next step can be scary for high school students, particularly if they are not familiar with the collegiate process. Educating them and giving them some of the skills they will need to function independently can improve their chances for success, whether it’s here at SU, at another institution of higher learning or entering the workforce.” 

Drs. Heather Holmes (Center for Student Achievement), Heather Porter (Literacy Studies) and Andrea Suk (Secondary and Physical Education), who helped create the program, have stayed on as instructors, along with four Wicomico County teachers and an SU graduate assistant.

The program is a coordinated effort across many disciplines at SU, also involving deans and faculty members.

“A program like this encompasses so many areas to help get students ready for the next step in their lives that it truly has taken a village to make this possible,” said Henry.

For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU website.