College Readiness bridge classes back at ECC for a second year
After a successful pilot program, the Alliance for College Readiness' bridge classes will be back for the second summer in a row.
The three-week courses aim to help college bound high school graduates fill in academic gaps in order to pass out of remedial courses before college classes start in the fall.
Students who retake and pass the placement test after Summer Bridge will save remedial class costs, textbook costs, and about 30 hours of class time, as well as better understand the environment of a college class.
Last July, 20 recent high school graduates from Elgin Area School District U-46, Central Community Unit District 301, Community Unit District 300, and St. Charles District 303 participated in the free program at the Elgin Campus.
After taking two classes - a one-credit "College 101" class that prepared students for the rigors of college life, and a noncredit reading or math class, 14 of the 20 students placed into higher level college courses.
ECC officials also said students reported making friends in the program, feeling more comfortable with upcoming college course work, and overcoming academic weaknesses they had struggled with in high school.
The Alliance for College Readiness was formed in 2006 by a group of Elgin Area Educators, seeking to redefine exactly what "college ready" means.
No firm registration details have been posted on the college's Web site yet. However, those interested are urged to call (847) 214-7228.
Lunch grants available: As part of President Obama's Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Illinois received a $3.6 million grant to dole out to schools, both public and private, participating in the National School Lunch Program.
The grant is competitive, meaning schools can vie for the funds that will pay to renovate or purchase new kitchen equipment. According to a news release, the state board of education says priority will be given to sponsors for equipment for schools where at least 50 percent of students qualify for free or reduced-priced lunches. The minimum amount doled out is $1,500.
For more information, visit isbe.net/nutrition/htmls/nslp_grant.htm.