(Bluefield)–Entering the final week of its six-week schedule, the "Emerging Scholars" program at Bluefield State College is "doing extremely well in increasing our students' awareness that a college education is possible for them and that they can succeed in college," noted John Cardwell, BSC's Director of Enrollment Management.

"We're working with a variety of students–some traditional (18-19 years of age) and some nontraditional (25 years of age and older)," Cardwell added, "and we're extremely impressed by their commitment and desire to learn."

The Emerging Scholars program at BSC's Bluefield campus and at the Greenbrier Community College Center of BSC, welcomed 75 students at the start of classes this summer. The program focuses upon assisting individuals with either a GED or a high school diploma and a desire to pursue a college education.

The tuition-free program concentrates upon stimulating the interest of prospective college students, providing information about college life and helping those students achieve their educational goals.

Emerging Scholars participants receive individualized instruction in math, English, and reading, designed to prepare them to successfully complete college-level math and English in the Fall 2001 semester. Program participants can also take a computer class and an orientation course for college credit. Additionally, the BSC Student Support Services staff conducts workshops twice each week, augmenting the life management skills instruction received by the students. "During the approaching academic year, Student Support Services staff will serve as advisors for students in the Emerging Scholars program, providing academic, career, and personal counseling," Cardwell observed.

"A key to the program's success has been the commitment of the faculty and staff, who have given up a summer to work with those in the program," he added. Students in the program have met four times each week through the month of July.

Graduation ceremonies for Emerging Scholars' participants are scheduled for July 27 at the Bluefield campus of BSC, and on July 30 at the Greenbrier Community College Center.