Manchester Community College

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STARS Application (PDF)

Summer Training and Academic Retention Service (STARS)

A Six-Week Summer Program for Recent High School Graduates Transitioning to College

Reach for the STARS at MCC

The mission of the Manchester Community College Summer Training and Academic Retention Service (STARS) program is to provide a post-secondary educational opportunity for financially disadvantaged and academically under-prepared students who are transitioning from secondary school to MCC. The program focuses on self-assessment in preparation for the rigors of the initial year at college.

For six weeks during the summer, prior to beginning their first semester at MCC, students take a three-credit course, participate in cultural enrichment activities, and work one-on-one with tutors, mentors and advisors in preparing for the academic year. They also participate in a one-credit study skills course.

During the six weeks of the program, students will:

increase skills in such areas as: computer literacy, study techniques, reading and writing, time management, career life planning, and goal setting;
work with MCC Student Development Specialists to learn about college resources and determine individual student academic needs;
work with peer mentors to gain a better understanding of successful student strategies;

Upon completion of the program, students will retake the assessment test and have a student development specialist to work with during their MCC career as well as attend activities throughout.

STARS Requirements

Complete the MCC admissions application.
Complete the MCC assessment test and place into English ENG* 066 or English ENG* 093.
Be a first-generation college student (mother/father/legal guardians did not earn a bachelor's degree).
Plan to attend MCC full-time in the fall semester.

STARS Expenses

There are NO expenses for students who enroll in the STARS program.

The STARS program provides, free of charge:

Textbooks
Classroom supplies (notebooks, folders, pencils, etc.)
CT Transit bus passes (unlimited rides) for the duration of the program
Breakfast and lunch
Tuition coverage for 4 credits
Cultural Enrichment Activities

Sample STARS Calendar

Apply to MCC	Immediately
Take the MCC Assessment Test	Immediately
Apply to STARS Program	Immediately
Interviews	Early May
Notification	Mid-June
STARS Orientation Day	Late June
STARS Classes	Late June– Mid-August
STARS Celebration Luncheon	Mid-August

Sample STARS Daily Schedule

Monday through Thursday
9:00 AM-10:15 AM	SD 100, 1-Credit Course (Study Skills)
10:15 AM-12:30 PM	Tutoring Appointments Lunch Study Time Library Time Community Service Projects Mentoring Appointments Academic Advising
12:35 PM-2:05 PM	SD 102, 3-Credit Course (Reading, Writing, Critical Thinking Skills)
Friday
(Time Varies)	Cultural Enrichment Trips

STARS Staff and Contact Information

For general information about the program, please call Jason Scappaticci at 860-512-3224 or Linda Devlin at 860-512-3346.

To apply, print out the application and return it to:

STARS
Office of Transitional Programs, MS# 8
Manchester Community College
Great Path, P.O. Box 1046
Manchester, CT 06045-1046

Feel free to contact any STARS staff member below:

Jason Scappaticci
Coordinator of Transitional Programs
860-512-3224
jscappaticci@mcc.commnet.edu

Linda Devlin
Student Development Specialist
860-512-3346
ldevlin@mcc.commnet.edu

Nathan Ormsby
Student Retention Specialist
860-512-3345
normsby@mcc.commnet.edu

Application

STARS Program Application

Last Update: March 30 2012
For additional information, contact: Jason Scappaticci