The Universities at Shady Grove (USG) successfully hosted the first annual Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success (ACES) Summer Bridge Program from June 16-19, 2014. ACES is the collaborative effort of USG, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and Montgomery College (MC), which seeks to create a seamless pathway from high school to college completion. ACES focuses on identifying and supporting students who come from backgrounds that are underrepresented in higher education and those who are the first in their family to attend college. Students apply to ACES during their sophomore year and if accepted, are assigned an academic coach during their junior and senior year. Over 140 rising senior ACES scholars attended last week’s program. Next year, ACES will include 458 seniors and 556 juniors for a total of 1,014 ACES scholars for the 2014-15 academic year. The USG Summer Bridge program was part of a coordinated summer series offered in conjunction with MC and MCPS for ACES students.
This year’s theme was “Why Not You” and focused on career preparation and exploration. Throughout the week, students participated in activities that developed leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal skills essential for success in today’s workforce. Students also had the opportunity to participate in a Career Expo, which featured a myriad of career options from local businesses and organizations in Montgomery County. The ability to match a student’s interests with corresponding career options allowed ACES facilitators to obtain information about academic requirements and degrees needed for those positions.
Each day students had the opportunity to hear from local business leaders on goal-oriented topics such as, “Careers and What it Takes,” “Becoming a Professional,” “Leadership and Career Engagement,” and “Gaining Professional Experience and Innovation.” USG’s Executive Director, Dr. Stewart Edelstein, and President of Montgomery College, Dr. DeRionne Pollard, spoke about the importance of career preparation, professionalism, and career competencies as students graduate high school and go onto complete their college degree. Both commended the students on their level of engagement and eagerness throughout the week. Coaching and support will continue for ACES students as they pursue their education through Montgomery College and the Universities at Shady Grove.
To view photos of the event, click here.