Bridges To Success

Programs

ACHIEVE TO SUCCEED

This program is designed to provide tutoring, mentoring, and service learning/community service for Elementary, Middle and High School students. Valencia Community College Bridges To Success Achievers and the Two Plus Two Program students will participate as tutors, mentors and role models.

 

AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH PROGRAMS

African-American Heritage Month was established in 1926. Although there is an international aspect to African-American Heritage Month (Black History Month), it is mainly an American celebration. Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson and others launched “Negro History Week” so that Americans could reflect on the history and contributions of African-Americans. In the 1970s, the celebration of African-American Heritage was expanded to include the entire month of February. Valencia Community College observes African-American Heritage Month through programs and activities.

 

BRIDGES TO SUCCESS SUMMER PROGRAM

The Bridges To Success Summer Program provides students with an opportunity to begin college-level work in the summer prior to fulltime degree seeking enrollment to Valencia Community College.  Students selected for the prgoram will register and attend courses without cost.  Bridges students receive individualiazed personal attention from Valencia faculty dedicated to assisting students in making a successful transition from high school to college and will build leadership skills through community service and extra-curricular workshops. 

High school graduates from Orange or osceola County are invited to apply for the Bridges to Success Summer Program.  Special consideration is given to students who have participated in one of Valencia's pre-collegiate programs: College Reach Out Program (CROP), Dual Enrollment, Partnership Programs (a community based program that has a partnership with Valencia), Tech Prep or Upward Bound.

Students who successfully complete the Bridges to Success Program are eligible for the Bridges To Success Achievers Scholarship.  This renewable full-tuition scholarship* is awarded for enrollment to Valencia Community College. (*will be coordinated with other financial aid).

 

BRIDGES TO SUCCESS ACHIEVERS PROGRAM

Students who successfully complete the Bridges To Success Summer Program are eligible for the Bridges To Success Achievers Scholarship.  This renewable full-tuition scholarship* is awarded for enrollment to Valencia Community College (*will be coordinated with other financial aid).

BTS must

  • Successfully complete the Bridges To Success Program with a grade point average of 2.0 with 100% course completion rate
  • Request a final official high school transcript (reflecting a graduation date) by June 4, 2008
  • Enroll for a minimum of 9 credit hours for the Valencia 2008 fall semester and 2009 Spring semester; which must include the SLS 1122 Student Success course (taken during fall semester)
  • Attend 4 workshops per term
  • Complete 30 hours of community service per term
  • Complete & submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

TOP

COLLEGE OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM for EVERYONE (COPE)

The purpose of COPE is to inform the community that every youth has an opportunity to succeed and to give minority students and their parents the information and tools to do so.

 

FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO COLLEGE

The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the secondary-to-postsecondary transition and college application process to EDS (minority) seniors and their parents who are interested in enrolling in Valencia Community College. It is also to assist students and parents in understanding the college costs and the various forms of financial assistance available to them.

 

LIFESTRIDES

Valencia Community College and the Coalition for the Homeless have partnered to better serve clients of the Coalition for the Homeless through its LifeStrides program.  LifeStrides is sponsored through the Orange County Public Schools and is located on their main campus.  This program is open to the entire community.  Every adult who comes to the Coalition visits the LifeStrides classroom for an assessment test.  Clients can take free courses to either get their GED, of focus on continued education.  LifeStrides clients interested in continuing their education beyond high school are referred to the Bridges To Success office for assistance with the application, enrollment, and support services.  Clients of the Coalition are not required to pay tuition (does not include books and some fees).  Interested clients must conta LifeStrides to obtain a referral before contacting Valencia Community College Bridges To Success office.

 

MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY OF SERVICE

This program serves to increase career and educational opportunities by providing information on Valencia’s A.A. and A.S. degree programs. It also provides information on college admissions and financial aid options to local schools and community at the community celebration and at workshops conducted at local schools and community agencies. Increase educational attainment of local youth by providing tutoring and mentoring services. Inspire local youth who attend the Community Celebration to give back to their community by encouraging them to pledge or commit to community service throughout the year.

 

TOP

OPERATION PARENTS PROJECT

Operation Parents Project (OPP) is an out growth from Head Start parents asking the question, "Why is there nothing available to help parents get into college".  Operation Parents Project identifies parents to enroll in post secondary education that will develop and enhance their skills which could lead to a professional position or a better paying job.  Operation parents will:

  • Parents with a GED or high school diploma to attend Valencia Community College
  • Learn what to do for admission to College
  • Learn about what career opportunities are available in the area
  • Learn about college life and what is expected
  • Learn about Valencia Community College degree Programs
  • Learn about financial aid and scholarships

 

PATHWAY TO COLLEGE

Pathway To College provides high school students and their parents an opportunity to learn what students should do to prepare for admission to a college, learn what is expected of a college student, learn what career opportunities are available, learn about degree programs (Associate in Arts and Associate in Science Degrees) and expose students to Valencia Community College.

 

ROAD TO SELF SUFFICIENT

Road to Self Sufficient is to give low-income community members an opportunity to attend college.  Valencia Community College collaborate with Orange County Community Affairs to identify eligible individuals and provide:

  • Preparation for college workshops
  • Information about Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Certificate degree Programs, emphasis will be placed on AS Certificates and AS Degree Programs

Road to Self Sufficient consist of three projects:  (1) Orientation and Financial Aid Workshops.  (2) Orange County Community Affairs select low-income commmunity members who are interested in becoming self sufficient.  Selected students take courses as a cohort.  The certificate track selected is determined by Valencia and Orange County Community Affairs.  Students earn a certificate upon completion.  The partners collaborate to secure employment for students who successfully complete the program.  Also, students will be encouraged to continue on to earn an AS or AA Degree.  (3) The Bridges To Success office will monitor and provide support services.

 

SPIRIT PROGRAM-COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

SPIRIT (Students and Parents, Information and Resources to Improve Talent) is designed to create a community partnership with faith-based organizations and to increase community awareness of programs and opportunities offered through Valencia Community College.

TOP

STUDENT CLUBS

The Office of Bridges To Success serves as advisor and support system to several ethnically diverse student clubs:

  • African-American Cultural Society (A2CS)
  • Black High Achievers Club
  • Bridges To Success

 

 

TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MINORITY STUDENTS

The Office of Bridges To Success coordinates and distributes information about transfer scholarships, especially for minority population. Inform students of available resources at the college and provide them with the opportunity to participate in special programs designed to encourage minorities to graduate from community college and transfer to a four-year college.

 

 

TWO PLUS TWO PROGRAM

Valencia Community College and 15 prestigious southeastern institutions have combined their efforts to facilitate the transfer of college credits earned at Valencia Community College into upper-division course work.

TOP