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Bridge to College flyer (PDF).
Bridge to College
"Every American will need to get more than a high school diploma. And dropping out of high school is no longer an option. It's not just quitting on yourself, it's quitting on your country." — President Barack Obama, speech to Congress and the nation, 2/24/09
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Bridge to College was launched in September, 2008. During this extemely successful pilot year, we learned that this is a vital program for
our community and for those who want to improve their lives by embarking on higher education. We need your support to continue to offer this program
in 2010/11. The minimum we need to raise is $12,000. This will be used to purchase credit courses and an instructor from Holyoke Community College,
provide extra tutoring in math, reading and writing, and purchase materials and supplies. If you understand the value of a college education, please
DONATE NOW.
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Top Floor Learning, in partnership with Holyoke Community College, is now accepting applications for this prestigious program designed to help you transition from high school, GED, unemployment, or career change, and prepare you to enter college. See the class of 2008-09 and read their comments. Click here to read some recent newspaper articles about Bridge to College.
JOIN THE BRIDGE TO COLLEGE PROGRAM
BENEFITS FOR YOU:
- Bridge to College is an intensive one-year program designed to thoroughly prepare you for the college experience-you will know what to expect
- You embark on your educational journey in a supportive, friendly environment that is close to home
- You save on gas costs and travel time
- You will receive extra one-to-one tutoring support as needed and help with goal-setting and career-planning
- Costs are very low-Bridge to College is funded by grants and other donors
- You can gain credits early on in your college career
- Make new friends
COSTS TO YOU:
- ACCUPLACER Test: FREE
- Semester 1: Academic-Preparedness Course (non-credit): FREE
- One-to-one extra tutoring math and English: FREE
- Visit to HCC campus: FREE
- Non-refundable deposit: $50 per semester
- Semester 2: Credit courses: $175 per course
STCC = $456; GCC = $472; WNEC = $1,443)
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for this program, you will need to:
- Be a resident of the Quaboag Hills region
- Have a GED or High School Diploma
- Complete the intake interview
- Sign an agreement to attend all classes
- Demonstrate commitment
- Take the ACCUPLACER assessment
- You want to enroll in college!
TIMELINE 2010
Everything below takes place at Top Floor Learning, Palmer
- Ongoing: Intake, interviews and registration for the ACCUPLACER assessment
- January 2010: ACCUPLACER assessment (TFL computer lab) FREE
- Feb 2010: Orientation (1/2 day) at TFL
- Feb - May 2010: Semester 1: Academic preparedness class (3 hrs each week in class + homework) FREE
- Ongoing: one to one tutoring FREE
- March 2010: Visit to HCC campus to meet Admissions, Financial Aid and Student Services personnel. FREE
- Sept - Dec 2010: Semester 2: 3-credit course in English (4 hrs. each week) and/or math (3 hrs. each week) taught at TFL by HCC faculty. $175 per course. Note: ACCUPLACER results determine which course is offered.
- December: Graduate from Bridge to College
Register Now: Call 413 283 2329 to make an appointment for an interview
We are here to help you
If you have been out of school for a while, we can help you learn the study skills you will need to succeed at college. College-level work is demanding and you need to know what to expect. Come prepared to be excited, challenged, and find out new things about yourself. You will be learning in the company of others just like you, and will build friendships that will support you in your journey of self-discovery
More education = bigger paycheck
Average Annual Income*
High-school graduates: $18,900
Associate's degree: $33,000
Bachelor's degree: $45,000
* figures from the 2000 US Census
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Class of 2008-09
Here's what they have to say...
"I've always wanted to go to college, but I was scared and unsure how to go about doing it. This has prepared me for college and given me a chance to see it." — Shari Vincent
"This program has built my confidence enough to start taking classes as a full time student. If it wasn't for this program I would not be a college student." — Ben Lukas
"I've learned that achieving a higher education is possible no matter what." — Patty Ehlers
"It got me into ENG 101.9. I'm a college student!" — Heather Allen
"I've learned many things about myself: how to manage my time, my inner feelings, and it's helped me in writing. I've learned to aim high towards my goals." — Tammy LaValley
If you are thinking of joining the program...
"The best things are: small class, good teachers, and a great environment." — Ryan Sinclair
"Do it! Don't wait any longer!" — Heather Allen
"It's a great program that can help anyone who is thinking of going to college but has doubts." — Ben Lukas
"Just do it! You won't regret it." — Ryan Sinclair
News articles on the Bridge to College program:
Register Now: Call 413 283 2329 to make an appointment for an interview
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