BCC 'Boost Your College Career' Summer Program
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PITTSFIELD, Mass — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announces a new summer program designed to help graduating high school seniors prepare for college.
"Boost Your College Career," created with grant funds from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, will accept about thirty students into the program at no cost. The six-week program will be held during BCC's third summer session from July 12 to August 19.
Free transportation will be provided. Berkshire County high school seniors are encouraged to contact their guidance counselors to see if they are eligible and learn how to register for the program.
Based on assessment tests and high school grades, accepted students will be assigned to either a non-credit College Reading Strategies course or to the co-requisite English Composition I and College Writing Practices courses. Students who place into the latter group and successfully complete the courses will receive college credit.
In addition to coursework, students enrolled in the program will be offered academic success coaching as well as a reading course and math tutoring sessions based on their assessment and individual needs. The reading course and tutoring sessions are designed to prepare students for college-level English and math courses, explained Dr. Laurie Gordy, Dean of Humanities, Behavioral & Social Sciences. In addition, a BCC student will serve as a mentor to the students.
"The mentor will provide support and guidance, particularly with introducing students to the college's resources," Gordy said. "This program isn't just about academics. It's about preparing students for the entire college experience and setting them up for success."
With that premise in mind, the program also includes recreational programming to educate students about wellness for life.
Continuing the path at BCC
Students who participate in the summer program and continue their education at BCC in the fall will be equipped with key tools necessary to achieve academic success and preparedness, specifically:
- An academic success coach for regular meetings, consultation and support
- Access to resources tailored for specific student needs, such as disability services, personal counseling, and TRIO (Talent, Resources, Initiative, Opportunity, a federally funded program that helps students from first-generation and/or low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities, find college success)
- A specially designed schedule created with success as a priority
- Access to library services and special study locations, with connections to peer mentors and student supports
- Dedicated cohort gatherings, luncheons and special events.
For more information about the program, contact your guidance counselor, Dr. Laurie Gordy at lgordy@berkshirecc.edu, or BCC admissions counselors at admcounselors@berkshirecc.edu.
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