For most students, summer is spent as a break from all things school related, but for others, it is a way to get ahead. There are so many programs offered over the summer that students can take advantage of.

Some offer students a taste of college life with the added bonus of college credit, while others are simply meant for career related exploration. Either way, students can gain lifelong memories and a taste of college in just a few short days or weeks.

According to Rachel Garcia, Counselor at Clovis Community College Center, summer programs are a great option for students who are busy with sports and other extracurricular activities during the school year.

She advocates for the High School Enrichment Program at the community college because it allows students to get started gaining college credit at no cost. The courses are transferable to a CSU or UC.

“The High School Enrichment Program gives students an idea of what college is like and gets their minds ready for college,” Garcia said.

Students can begin the High School Enrichment Program as early as the summer following their ninth grade year if they have a 3.0 GPA or higher. But it is important for families to be aware that grades received in this program will permanently be on a student’s college transcript.

Unlike high school, C grades cannot be retaken. Garcia also cautions families to take this experience seriously.

“You have to be there, you cannot miss a class,” Garcia said. “There is no make-up work.”

For students who are more interested in exploring a specific college major, there are camps such as EPIC at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. According to Maria Manzano, Director of Engineering Special Programs and EPIC (Engineering Possibilities in College) at Cal Poly, this program is a one-week summer camp in its 11^th year.

“It introduces campers to the varied fields of engineering through hands-on labs taught by university professors and industry professionals,” Manzano said. “EPIC campers see ‘Learn by Doing’ in action when Cal Poly students show them the satellites, prosthetic hands, race cars, concrete canoes and other products they’ve developed.  In addition, EPIC campers get to design, build and test their own projects!”

During the EPIC program, students are able to live on the Cal Poly campus in the dorms and explore the university. Students enrolled in the summer camp are introduced to the following engineering fields: aerospace, architectural, biomedical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, industrial, manufacturing, materials, mechanical, and software.

The week is filled with fun engineering related projects and activities such as programming a robot or assembling a mini hoverboard. In addition to engineering related activities, students can participate in various sports and bonding experiences.

Whether it is an academic based program or one focused on career goals, these opportunities can be extremely beneficial in helping students to get ahead. Although attendance at these summer experiences can in no way guarantee a future acceptance letter from a college, it adds great benefits to a college resume.

For more information on summer programs, visit the Academics link on the Fresno Christian website and clink on the Summer Programs button.

Colleges are in pursuit of motivated self-starters who are always looking for ways to better themselves and the world around them. Summer programs can be one of the many ways to do this. Listed below are some of the programs high school students can sign up for the High School Enrichment Program or jump start the college preparation process.

Informational Meeting for the Clovis Community College Center High School Enrichment Program:

April 17: 6 p.m., Herndon Campus, Rm. 308

May 8: 6 p.m., Herndon Campus, Rm. 308

*April 1: College online application is available / April 21: Enrichment paperwork is available

Cal Poly EPIC Summer Dates:

July 9-14:   Session 1 – Middle School Day Camp & Residential Program Option (Grades 6-8)     

July 16-21:   Session 2 – High School Residential Program (Grades 9-11)

July 23-28:  Session 3 – High School Residential Program (Grade 9-11)

July 30- Aug. 4:  Session 4 – High School Residential Program (Grade 9-11)

To read the last College Corner check out: College Corner: College information workshop update.

For more information on the subject, please contact Michelle Warkentin.