News Article

Edison State's Summer Connections Program

Jul 2, 2009

Summer Connections Program Introduced at Edison State College

Daimary Perez, a seventeen year old graduate of Cape Coral High School’s class of ’09, is in her second week of the six week “Summer Connections” program at Edison State College. “The campus is beautiful, and I am beginning to feel like a college student,” exclaims Perez. “The professors are great!”

The Summer Connections Program has accepted thirty recent high school graduates into the pilot program. The goal is to provide both academic and social learning opportunities for students as they prepare for college courses in the fall. “Edison State College is committed to providing educational opportunities to the community. The Summer Connections Program offers recent graduates who may need academic assistance a bridge from high school to full freshman college level courses.” said Professor Ellie Bunting, Faculty Chair of Communications. “The goal is to have these students completely ready for college level coursework when they determine their fall schedules.” The program focuses on reading and writing skills. Both preparatory classes and college level courses are offered in composition and reading comprehension. 

Potential participants were contacted via mail and through their schools. Juan Quinones, an 18 year old graduate of North Fort Myers High, received a letter, and his mother encouraged him to attend. “I wanted to start early. I had a feeling that if I didn’t get a head start this summer, I would just start working and never go to college at all.” He acknowledged that the reading classes are very helpful in preparing him for the coursework he will face in the fall. “Summer Connections made me realize my priorities.”

Beyond the academic boost, the program aims to help students adjust to academic life. They will be offered assistance in choosing their Fall semester classes and arranging their schedules. “Navigating the course requirements can be intimidating to a first time student,” Marty Ambrose, an English professor at Edison State, explains.”We take the mystery out of the process .Each Summer Connections participant will leave the program with a fall schedule in place.”

Students appreciate the transition the program offers. “I enrolled because I thought it would be a great bridge- a smooth transition to college,” Perez explained while waiting for her Reading Course in the Rush Library to begin. “It won’t be so “in your face” when I start classes in the fall. Another great benefit to me is that the program is free. A lot of us are not rich and free is always better!”

Megan Harris appreciates the social aspects of the Summer Connections program. Harris, a graduate of Bishop Verot High School, heard about the program from her math tutor. Rather than spending the summer at home hanging out, Harris was eager to get a jump start on her freshman year at Edison State.”I wanted to be comfortable on campus, already have friends when I start school, “enthused Harris, who will take the opportunity to explore clubs and other Student Life offerings. “ The courses are very helpful. When the fall semester starts, I know I’ll be ready.”

For media inquiries contact, Meg Hawthorne, Public Information Specialist, 239-489-9309 or mahawthorne@edison.edu.

Edison State College is Southwest Florida’s largest, most established, most accessible and most affordable school of higher education serving more than 18,000 students in 5 counties with campuses in Lee, Collier and Charlotte, and a center serving Hendry/Glades.  Many classes are available on-line.   

Last Updated: July 2, 2009