University of Success Welcomes 15th Incoming Class

       The University of Scranton will welcome the 15th incoming class to the University of Success Program at its Summer Institute, July 11 - 23. This two-week Summer Institute, held on the campus of the Jesuit university and other locations, introduces 20 eighth-graders to the pre-college mentorship program which continues until their high school graduation. 

       During the two-week summer program, students participate in hands-on projects and field trips to engage their creative thinking, problem solving and communication skills. This year, the program includes field trips to PPL Berwick Nuclear Power Plant, Susquehanna Wetland Pavilion, Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dorney Park and American Museum of Natural History. Students will volunteer at the Children’s Advocacy Center and The Leahy Free Clinic. Through professional presentations, they will also learn about emergency medical technicians, healthy eating, drug and alcohol prevention, being tobacco free, bullying and peer pressure, and physical exercise. 

      The main goal of the University of Success is to help students complete high school and gain acceptance to college. 

      The University of Success was founded in 1996 as a response to the drop in graduation rates and college enrollment for students who are underserved or underrepresented in the higher education process. Because of corporate and foundation support, the program is completely free of charge for families.

      Following the summer program, students will continue to attend one Saturday session a month, which is taught by a university faculty member and local high school teachers, and meet with mentors to discuss school, career or college planning. The program mentors are The University of Scranton’s undergraduate students. Parents are also encouraged to attend presentations twice a year, held at The University of Scranton, to discuss college planning, financial aid and parenting skills. 

      To be eligible for admission, students need to come from an economically disadvantaged family, have a cultural background that is underrepresented in higher education, have strong academic ability to show potential to purse higher education, or be the potential first college student in his or her family.