WORCESTER—A new summer program at Quinsigamond Community College aims to give local high school students a clearer path to college — and the confidence to get there.
QCC has partnered with Summit Campus to launch a three-week Summer College Prep Program designed for rising juniors and seniors, with a focus on building academic skills, self-advocacy and readiness for post-secondary education. The program is tailored especially for students with diverse learning needs, offering both classroom instruction and a hands-on introduction to college life.
Participants will attend workshops on writing, study strategies and time management, while also learning about college expectations, stress management and self-care. The program is intended to go beyond academics, helping students develop the personal tools needed to succeed in higher education.
“This program can impact a student’s vision of their future immeasurably and create a pathway to higher education that may not have seemed possible,” said Nikki Koppel, director of Summit Campus, in a statement released by the program organizers. “This partnership creates a supportive environment where students can grow academically and personally while gaining real insight into college life.”
The initiative also offers an optional residential component through Summit Summer Launch, allowing students to experience dorm-style living — a step organizers say can be especially valuable for those who may not otherwise have exposure to campus life.
“Quinsigamond Community College is proud to partner with Summit Campus to support students in our community as they prepare for their educational futures,” said Kristen Proctor, director of Student Accessibility Services & Assistive Technology at QCC, in the release. “This program reflects our commitment to expanding access to college readiness opportunities and helping students see themselves as future college scholars.”
Organizers say the program is part of a broader effort to expand access to higher education in Worcester County by meeting students where they are and helping them build both the academic and personal foundations needed for success.
