Project College and Career Prepares Students for Collegiate and Employment Success

Submitted by Scott McCrea
Phone: (907) 474-1157
04/14/03

A program provided by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Tanana Valley Campus that is aimed at helping students of all ages and backgrounds prepare for higher education is now taking applications for its May session. Called Project College and Career, the three-week program introduces students to the world of college, covering everything from how to get in to how to succeed once they are in. The program benefits both returning adult students as well as students coming right out of high school, and is especially geared towards students who have never considered college, students with low high school GPAs or who’s academic skills are rusty, students with special needs, and students with personal issues that complicate college.

Now in its 11th year, the program has a proven track record of successfully helping students go on to successful ventures into collegiate academics, says PCC Coordinator Marjorie Illingworth.

"PCC students go on to graduation, and earn undergraduate and even graduate degrees," said Illingworth. "By enhancing their self esteem through the program, some go on to work in the community and are active volunteers within schools and other organizations."

UAF history major Dave Drexler is one such PCC participant who made a successful transition to college, thanks to the program. A retired member of the U.S. Army, Drexler will be attending a conference in Bellingham, Washington, to present a paper he wrote paralleling the events of September 11th with Pearl Harbor. It’s an opportunity that Drexler says could not have happened without his experience with PCC.

"PCC really paid off in a big way," said Drexler. "It was the best experience that could have happened to me since retiring from the U.S. Army. It has given me confidence, ability and professional outlook as a student at UAF to achieve excellence in all that I do at this university."

The May program begins May 5 - 23. Space is limited to the first 15 students. The classes, which range from polishing up on English and math skills to test taking skills and time management, are held from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The cost of the entire program, including textbooks and materials, is $400. Scholarships are available. For more information contact Illingworth at 474-1127 or by email at ffmli@uaf.edu.