"Emerging Scolars
At the midpoint 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." Emerging Scholars program coordinator Roderick Neal noted that all of the 100 students who enrolled in the program three weeks ago are still in the program.
"We're working with a real variety of students-- some traditional (1 8-19 year old students) and some nontraditional (25 years of age and older)," Neal said, "and we're extremely impressed by their commitment and desire to learn."
The Emerging Scholar program at BSC's Bluefield campus and at the Greenbrier Community College Center of BSC, is designed to assist individuals with either a GED or high school diploma and a desire to pursue a college education."
The tuition-free program focuses upon stimulating the interest of prospective college students, provide information about college life, and help those students achieve their educational goals.
Emerging Scholars program participants receive individualized instruction in math, English, and reading, designed to prepare them to successfully complete college-level math and English in the Fall 1999 semester. Program participants may also take a computer class and an orientation course for college credit. Additionally, special workshops on note taking, decision making, library skills, career exploration and assessment, financial aid options, and handling test anxiety are offered. A "Career Modeling Day" has been scheduled for July 20, when Emerging Scholar students may meet with area business professionals and discuss career opportunities and interests.
"Another key to the program's success has been the commitment of the faculty and staff, who've given up a summer to work with those in the program," Neal noted. Students in the program will meet four times each week through July 30.
"We hope to track Emerging Scholar students in the months and years and see how they compete with their peers in the Fall semester and beyond. Response has been very positive and we look forward to the future of the program," he concluded.