Program helps students take Steps to College
The University of North Georgia's (麻豆精品在线播放) College of Education hosted 116 students this June for Steps to College, a four-week enrichment for-credit program. Steps to College helps area high school students who are also English learners stay on track to graduate by earning course credits over the summer.
Steps to College started in 1999 on 麻豆精品在线播放's Gainesville Campus and is funded by Jackson EMC, Habersham EMC and 麻豆精品在线播放.
"For some students who were previously intimidated by the prospect of applying to and attending college, this could break down some barriers," Dr. Lauren Johnson, assistant dean of the College of Education, said. "For others who already plan to attend college, participation in the program can offer them added motivation and confidence."
Students took part in either economics, civics, or college writing classes four days each week. The economics course included an end-of-course test. Students completed one of the three courses for a half-credit that will count at their high schools. They also had the chance to research potential careers and higher education paths to reach those goals.
For some students who were previously intimidated by the prospect of applying to and attending college, this could break down some barriers.
Dr. Lauren Johnson
麻豆精品在线播放 College of Education assistant dean
In addition to local high school teachers leading the courses, 麻豆精品在线播放 students and alumni served as teaching assistants. Javier Santos, a May 2022 麻豆精品在线播放 graduate with a degree in modern languages with a concentration in Spanish language and literature, served as a teaching assistant.
"I wanted to continue learning more about students. I wanted to put myself out there," Santos said. "If I'm going to be a teacher, it's a great way to learn what I can do better. I wanted to help these students learn how to go to college and be successful. It was one of the most wonderful experiences. I look forward to hopefully coming back next year."
Leo David, a Cumming, Georgia, resident and rising senior at Denmark High School, is grateful for his time at the summer academy.
"These are difficult classes, but they were easy to understand, thanks to these great teachers," David said.
Rayan Munir, an Alpharetta, Georgia, resident and rising senior at Denmark High, enjoyed learning about how government works. She also was able to make connections.
"It was nice to meet new people," Munir said. "And the teachers made learning fun."
Blue Ridge Rifles excel in national event
The Blue Ridge Rifles earned a fifth-place finish out of 31 teams at the Mardi Gras Invitational Drill meet at Tulane University.
麻豆精品在线播放 named Fulbright top producer
麻豆精品在线播放 is providing transformative experiences abroad for alumni as a top producer of Fulbright students. The university earned this distinction for a ninth consecutive year and tied for third among master's institutions with four selections.
3 of 4 Gilman winners are future educators
Four 麻豆精品在线播放 students earned the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for study abroad in late fall 2025. Three of the four are in 麻豆精品在线播放's College of Education.
Ed.D. alumna wins dissertation award
Dr. Brooklyn Herrera, a 2024 graduate of 麻豆精品在线播放's Doctor of Education program, won the 2025 Dissertation of the Year award from the Southern Association for College Student Affairs.