College Connection

College Connection is an intensive program offered to Scholars who wish to devote more time to exploring as well as strengthening their future pursuits. The program's purpose is to engage these bright, motivated students during the pivotal and transitional year of ninth grade, and to keep them on track for graduation from high school and preparation for college.

The essential components of the C2 program are academic enhancement, leadership development, civic engagement, and individualized college and career guidance. Students meet monthly with our College and Career Advisor who helps them with study skills, goal setting and college exploration. Students are also required to attend a summer enrichment experience at East Stroudsburg University, where they are given an opportunity not only to experience how college students live, but also build their independence and critical thinking skills. Through our partnership with East Stroudsburg University, students are engaged from one to four weeks each summer building academic and social skills.

Academic Enhancement

A recent study indicates that one-third of American college students require remedial classes due to under preparation at the high school level. While our students are high-achieveing in their schools, they too sometimes possess the need for remedial instruction. As a way to decrease this likelihood, we meet three times a month for concentrated math and English instruction with the College Connection students which will prepare them for the demands of college courses. In designing the courses, we have collaborated with School District officials to ensure that the C2 curriculum complements the timeline and content of the School District's curriculum.

Leadership Development

In the College Connection program, we build the leadership skills of our scholars by giving them opportunities to step up and take real responsibility.  Our scholars are involved in team building activities, service projects, public speaking, mentoring younger students, and tutoring other students academically.

Civic Engagement

College Connection scholars are involved in service learning projects during their 10th and 11th grade years, working in small groups to address important needs that they have identified in their communities. Projects have addressed topics such as poverty, animal abuse, teen pregnancy, addiction, global warming, gun violence, literacy, and leukemia. Scholars have partnered with organizations throughout Philadelphia, including the PSPCA, CHOICE, the Youth Health Empowerment Project, and the Philadelphia Unemployment Project.

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