Program helps students make smooth transition
Jackson College’s revised Ready, Set, Jet! Summer bridge program has wrapped up for this summer. The seven-week program offered an introduction to college with help in math and English at no cost to the students.
According to Director of New Student Engagement Stephanie Waffle-Stephenson this program is a good opportunity for students to figure out what college means to them.
“Students are excited about graduating high school. This allows them to stay grounded while exploring their options,” she said. “Or even those that are returning to college and a little nervous on what to expect this gives them the perfect jumping point and dip their toe in the water before they make that full decision.”
The goal of Ready, Set, Jet! is to set up each student for success. The program ran from June 11 through Aug. 2 three days a week from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Breakfast and Lunch were provided.
“Ensure that they know there are resources that are available to them and they feel a sense of community and a sense of belonging here at Jackson College that is really what this is encompassing,” Waffle-Stephenson said.
Students were able to earn college credits by completing the Life Pathways Seminar, a freshman-year course to help students develop essential skills for success including an introduction to financial literacy, budgeting and health tips. They also explored careers to select an academic program of study.
“It’s understanding what resources are available here from our Center for Student Success all the way to our mental health clinic the Oasis Center, our health clinic as well as getting familiar with our technology on campus,” Waffle-Stephenson said.
Morenci, Michigan native Jocelyn Collar participated in this year’s program after learning about Jackson College through the Lenawee LISD TECH Center.
“I heard the academic programs are very pristine and I think you do more than just teach us,” she said. You get us out in the real world and show us real life experience.”
She chose to take part in Ready, Set, Jet! after taking a break from college due to COVID.
“I had to leave college, and I feel like this is a good steppingstone to get back into the education program and being able to get back into the group in a way,” Collar said.
Laptop computers were provided throughout the program. Students who completed Ready, Set, Jet! successfully and register for fall courses were able to keep the laptop.
Jocelyn plans on continuing her education in the fall as she looks to get accepted into the dental hygiene program.
Costs for the RSJ program including tuition, fees, textbooks and food were fully covered by grant funds from the Academic Catch-Up Program through the Michigan Community College Association.