The Summer Program is designed to introduce first semester freshman and returning students to the joys and challenges of college life, to improve student grades throughout college life, and to relieve some of the pressure from the regular academic year. It is also a strategy for students who wish to acquire or maintain HOPE scholarships during their college years. The summer session is short and the load is less than during the rest of the year, so students can focus and not be overwhelmed. It is an excellent choice for those who are eager to get ahead, but a little anxious about fitting in socially or intellectually. It is a great way to start college.
HOPE is too good to lose.
Proud of their high school achievement, students on HOPE should do all they can to maintain the grade point average necessary to keep the scholarship while in college. Unfortunately, more than half of the students throughout the state lose HOPE after the freshman year. The Summer Program can help. In the summer, students take two courses rather than the standard load of five during the regular semester allowing them to focus on a few classes and do better. In addition, students who come during the summer can reduce their semester load during their freshman year to four rather than five classes, making the entire year more manageable.