Area Students Begin University of Success

Twenty-five rising high school students entered The University of Scranton’s University of Success program. The four-year, pre-college mentorship program began for the new participants with a week-long summer program, which took place virtually in July.

The University of Success is an academic and enrichment program designed to provide academic, social, and cultural enrichment to area high school students. The program’s ultimate goal is to assist participating students to successfully complete high school and gain entrance into a college or university. Students enter the program at the completion of the eighth grade and continue through their high school years.

“The University of Success, a first-generation college-bound program is living out the mission of St. Ignatius of Loyola by insuring that students beginning in the middle school years have a support network with the information and strategies to follow their paths to college, go to college, and grow into the people they are capable of becoming,” said Debra Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of The University of Scranton’s Panuska College of Professional Studies, which houses the University of Success program.

The summer program provides learning experiences designed to engage the students in creative thinking, problem solving and communication through activities that expose students to concepts in various academic disciples. The virtual program featured presentations by former Success students, Admissions and Financial Aid Personnel from the University of Scranton, Counselors from Lackawanna County Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, and University Science Professors and Staff.

Following the summer program, the students meet monthly throughout their four years in high school.

The University of Success, offered free of charge to participants, is funded almost entirely by corporate and foundation grants. Donors to the program include AT&T, Charles A. Frueauff Foundation, Kuehner Family Foundation, MetLife Foundation, Overlook Estate Foundation, Prudential Foundation, Scranton Area Foundation, The University of Scranton, Waste Management, Wells Fargo and William G. McGowan Charitable Fund.

Students entering the University of Success program are as follows:

Andrea Amigon, Wilkes-Barre, who attended Solomon/Plains Junior High School;

Trinity Anglin, Clarks Summit, who attended Abington Heights Middle School;

Jovani Aguilar, Scranton, who attended South Scranton Intermediate School;

Colby Beck, Hawley, who attended Wallenpaupack Middle School;

Krista Lynn Davis, Carbondale, who attended Carbondale Area Junior/Senior High School;

Kydasia Deas, Scranton, who attended West Scranton Intermediate School;

Isaac Diaz, Scranton, who attended Northeast Intermediate School;

Emily Durkin, Moosic, who attended Riverside Junior/Senior High School;

Jacob Emmet, Carbondale, who attended Carbondale Area Junior/Senior High School;

Stephany DeOliveira, Olyphant, who attended Mid Valley Secondary Center;

Arthur Garcia, Scranton, who attended South Scranton Intermediate School;

Natasha Hendrickson, Lakewood, who attended Preston Area/Wayne Highlands Area School;

Mariella McCue, Clarks Summit, who attended Abington Heights Middle School;

Quienton McMillian, Scranton, who attended West Scranton Intermediate School;

Evelyn Moctezuma, Scranton, who attended South Scranton Intermediate School;

Chloe Moore, Susquehanna, who attended Preston Area/Wayne Highlands Area School;

Elizabeth Novak, Scott Township, who attended Lakeland Junior/Senior High School;

Vallery Oentoya, Scranton, who attended South Scranton Intermediate School;

Braeden Philpott, New Milford, who attended Blue Ridge Middle School;

Miguel Ramos, Dunmore, who attended Dunmore Junior High School;

Olivia Rowehl, Matamoras, who attended Delaware Valley Middle School;

Kateryna Smirnova, Scranton, who attended West Scranton Intermediate School;

Zi Cheng Weng, Plains, who attended Solomon/Plains Junior High School;

Alayshia Williams, Carbondale, who attended Carbondale Area Junior/Senior High School;

Jaden Willis, Taylor, who attended Riverside High School;