In partnership with Kennebec Valley Community College, Good Will-Hinckley plans to offer an intensive, structured, and proven program that will tap into the potential of community college students who are at highest risk of not completing their studies.
Our College Step Up program (CSU) will serve young people who have been accepted into KVCC with a condition that they participate in the CSU. Students will live on campus and receive academic and personal support while learning independent, pre-vocational, living skills. Students will form a small cohort that will live, learn, work and socialize together.
Elements of the program:
- Residence: dormitory style or cottage style
- Community of learners – a cohort of 20 students will live, learn and work together
- Duration –12-18 months; students meeting benchmarks will be eligible for alternative living arrangements (off-campus, larger dorms, etc.)
- Recreation activities – students will have a budget for group activities
- Computer/Internet – dorms will have wireless access connected through KVCC; a computer lab will be available from 6 pm-1 am, 7 days a week.
- Academic Coach – each student in the program will have access to an academic coach
- Independent Living Skills Coach – each student in the program will have an ILS coach, who will help with issues such as financial budgeting, time management, and accessing needed resources
- Group Orientation Week – students will attend a one-week orientation each year before college classes start Residential Advisors – Two Residential Advisors (RAs) will be assigned to r every 20 students in the program
Students accepted into the program will include:
- Students who age out of foster care
- Students who need added academic and life support to succeed in Community College
- Students who are first generation college attendees
For more information, please contact:
Students and youth, please contact Troy Frost: TFrost@gwh.org | 207-238-4204
or
Parents and guardians, please contact Emanuel Pariser: EPariser@gwh.org | 207-238-4016