Promising Practices

The purpose of the College Awareness Academy is to give students a taste of college before they begin that all-important freshman year in high school and emphasize that college is an attainable goal.

The activities were designed to strengthen students' mathematical abilities and prepare them for algebra and other pre-college courses. Students explored various math and science careers available after college, became familiar with dorm life and a college environment, and gained confidence through team building.

Research shows that a basic understanding of arithmetic concepts are needed to generalize rules for operating with numbers and to use these rules in manipulating symbols other than numbers. Algebra provides a smooth transition into many branches of mathematics with a continuation of basic arithmetic knowledge. Research also shows that a better understanding of curriculum choices and school expectations strengthen the transition from middle school to high school and from high school to college.

The activities increased students' awareness of the high school curriculum needed for college success and helped smooth the transition from middle school to high school.

Students were given the EXPLORE test at camp; these results will be compared with PLAN scores received in the 10th grade. A survey will be given to each participant near the completion of camp to aid project directors in accessing strengths and/or weaknesses of the Academy. High school progress reports from participants will also be studied and used as an indicator of achievement of project goals.

The Academy camp director is in charge of overall camp administration. The two assistant directors supervise student counselors, oversee all activities, make transportation arrangements, and assist counselors with disciplinary problems when encountered. The eleven college student counselors are responsible for supervising, tutoring, and mentoring 10 to 11 camp participants each.

The total budget for both the College Awareness Academy and the College Readiness Academy is $104,000.

Kentucky AHEC (Area Health Education Centers) Offices
EKU Housing
ARAMARK Food Services