Reporting by Serena Davanzo and Micah Leith
BECKLEY, WV (WOAY)- WVU Tech held its summer jump-start program to help students prepare for college life before the fall semester starts.
The program included Raleigh County students for the first time ever this year, thanks to a federal grant that expanded the scope of the program.
Students from Raleigh County joined students from Fayette County for a six-week program that prepares first-generation and limited-income students for secondary education.
“One of the highlights is seeing the two counties come together. We had our banquet and some of the students that got awards might not necessarily get that recognition, so it’s nice to acknowledge their growth during the summer. We tell them the first day you come here, you are no longer that student. You’ve shown yourself that you can do college. You’ve done schoolwork, social life. You can do it. You’ve changed, you’ve morphed,” Scott Robertson, assistant dean of students, said.
The students took classes in math, English, science and communications as part of the core curriculum. They also had the opportunity to take electives and participate in experiences outside of the classroom.
“They’re visiting the Holocaust museum, the monuments at night, the U.S. History Museum, African American Museum of History and Culture, Arlington National Cemetery, the zoo, and will have some free time,” Robertson said.