LeadAmerica Launches College Readiness Summit with Palm Beach County School District

BOCA RATON, Fla., March 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- LeadAmerica, one of the nation's educational leaders in personalized experiential learning designed to better prepare all middle and high school students for their transition to college and future careers, announced today a partnership with the School District of Palm Beach County (SDPBC) to host a college readiness summit at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) March 11 – 13, 2011. The pilot program, which is sponsored through the use of the United States Department of Education Advanced Placement Incentive Program (APIP) and Smaller Learning Community (SLC) grants, will provide 150 Palm Beach County high school students with the opportunity to experience a college environment and enhance personal development, self-discovery, self-confidence, and the life skills necessary to successfully complete college.

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"This opportunity is a critical piece of the college readiness puzzle," emphasized Dr. Alison Adler, Chief of Safety and Learning for the School District of Palm Beach County. "Often, students who go away to college may be prepared academically, but may not be prepared to navigate the culture and structure of postsecondary education. One of the goals of this College Readiness Summit is to provide students with an experience where they are surrounded by peers who are striving toward similar goals, and to hear from both experts and college students about best practices within a college context so that they will be confident and prepared for their future college experience."

The College Readiness Summit is an academic and professional skills development conference tailored to the interests of SDPBC students. The program combines engaging case studies, interactive activities, and large group discussions regarding the socialization and personal responsibilities of college.  In addition, students are guided through the curriculum by mentors who offer insight into their own successes during college selection, admission, enrollment, and ultimately completion.

"LeadAmerica is truly excited to be partnering with the School District of Palm Beach County to launch such an important and worthwhile college preparation program for local high school students. It is estimated that only 42 percent of college students will complete their college education, unchanged from their parents' generation. By creating more programs like the College Readiness Summit at FAU, we hope to provide a compelling college immersion experience that allows students, especially first generation college-bound students, to explore their future path, discover what inspires them the most, and begin to develop the tools necessary to fulfill their dreams," said Terrence Stecz, CEO of LeadAmerica.

During the three-day program, SDPBC students will develop self-management attitudes and skills, as well as examine and practice the key academic behaviors necessary for success in today's globalized, highly competitive environment. Additionally, students will analyze personal strengths and developmental needs that lead to greater self-esteem and independence. Topics range from time management, decision making and personal finance, college admissions and study habits.  Ultimately, students will complete the program with a personal mission and vision statement, as well as a greater understanding of how college operates as a system and a culture.

"In working with Palm Beach County, we've recognized a need and desire from students to experience life on a college campus before they actually leave home and are on their own," continued Terrence Stecz. "The program we developed achieves this by increasing the scope of experiential learning so that students are immersed in the collegiate environment, which includes faculty-presented lectures, small group collaboration, dormitory living and a real first-hand taste of the college experience."

LeadAmerica is one of the nation's most respected youth development organizations devoted to providing acclaimed college-level academic experiences that deliver tangible improvements in college and career readiness. LeadAmerica offers a diverse curriculum, a highly engaging and rigorous academic experience with hands-on interactive workshops and simulations to immerse students in their chosen field or topic. College-accredited, career-focused conferences are offered annually for 5 to 10 days and are held in the spring and throughout the summer at leading universities across the United States, including Stanford, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins and Columbia. Those interested in learning more about LeadAmerica, should visit lead-america.org or contact a Program Advisor at 1-866-FYI-LEAD (1-866-394-5323).  

About LeadAmerica:

As one of the nation's educational leaders in personalized experiential learning, LeadAmerica conferences offer outstanding students the opportunity to explore their future path and discover what inspires them the most. Students gain valuable knowledge and the experience of real college life, on campus, at some of the greatest schools in the country. All LeadAmerica curricula are college-accredited and have been approved by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) for the seventh consecutive year.

SOURCE LeadAmerica