To participate in Project DEgree, you must:

• Have a high school diploma or GED;
• Be 18-26 years old (older students may be considered);
• Be committed to and have theability to pay for enrollment as a full-time student through degree completion (you may be eligible to receive financial aid);
• Be committed to taking at least one course each summer term;
• Have an expressed goal of achieving a certificate or degree (assessed in a one-on-one interview);;
• Place into developmental reading and writing (ENG 080 andRED 080); and
• Be able to attend the learning community courses, Mondays through Fridays, on the Main Campus.
  
  

Year One
All students begin in a learning community of 20-25 students. They take developmental level course work in reading and writing and a college success course as a learning community. Students receive math instruction including supplemental tutoring based on individual placement scores. Each learning community is assigned a resource specialist (coach, mentor, advisor, college success instructor) who works intensively with each student during his or her first year at the college.

Students progress as a learning community taking the next sequence of reading and writing courses, plus a study skills course. Students are also individually enrolled in the next needed math class and continue to be offered supplemental supports. The resource specialist teaches the college success and study skills courses in order to provide more holistic support by getting to know students as individual learners. Students are encouraged to take a 12 credit load each term and expected to take a class during summer term.

Year Two
Students have begun to fully transition into college-level coursework and work toward a certificate or degree. They are supported by a completion advisor who works in collaboration with other advising staff providing “intrusive advising” and connecting students to college resources and supports as needed.

Research shows that students enrolled in learning community programs like Project DEgree are significantly more engaged in their education and much more likely to stick with college and finish their degree. Other benefits of Project DEgree include:

• Dedicated support from a resource specialist who will serve as your advisor, coach and mentor;
• Referrals to resources, such as financial aid, tutoring, counseling, student activities, health services, and more;
• Personal counseling and guidance including assistance with problem solving, time management, and stress management;
• Transcript reviews and academic advising;
• Assistance with completing enrollment and registration; and
• Math tutoring and courses to help you accelerate your math skills.

Project DEgree students pay tuition for the classes they take but may be eligible for financial aid. Students receive many additional services and supports free of charge to help them progress toward a degree.

• Students must enroll full time and take the required learning community courses during their first year and continue full-time enrollment through degree completion.
• Students are expected to take at least one course each summer term.
• Students must be committed to the ultimate goal – earning a college degree.
  

You can earn the associate’s degree or certificate of your choosing. Project DEgree staff will be there to help you achieve your academic goals.