While many students were enjoying summer by working, relaxing, or vacationing, some area students took part in earning college credit through the Bridge Program. They attended two- and three-day seminars in Bangor staying at Eastern Maine Community College.
The Bridge Program invites sophomores to apply to a program which allows them an opportunity to earn dual high school/college credits while enrolled in a Career and Technical Education program at Region Two during the last two years of high school. This concept is mushrooming in the state and across the country.
Students who participated in a summer session for the Bridge Year program include front row from left,Rachelle Provost, Joshua Upton, Joshua Beaton, Ryan Dee, Aaron Sewell and Laura McEwen; and back, Adam Casillas, Jessica Hemingway, Cameron Clark, Mariah Boyd, Mariah O’Neal, Olivia Winslow and Isaiha Littleton. Not pictured is Samantha Grahn.
(Contributed photo)
“The first cohort this past year earned 12 college credits and during the summers earned three credits,” said Hollie McPartland, program counselor. “When they graduate they will have earned 30 credits equivalent to one year of college. This opportunity affords them minimal cost of tuition and an experience that will help them feel more confident in completing their post educational goals. The first year of a summer seminar is a two and a half day event where students tour job specific events such as Cianbro , Penobscot County Sheriff’s office, Dirigo Pines and the Army National Guard.”
They experience college campus by sleeping and eating in the cafeterias, getting a University ID card and visiting University of Maine, Husson and UMA. The second-year summer seminar concentrates on campus tours at USM, UMA, Husson and University of Maine where discussions focus on financial aid, programming and adjustment to dorm life. They experience mock interviews, interest inventories, group work, challenges and build comraderies.
