High School students take advantage of Summer Academic Enrichment Program at McDaniel College

WESTMINSTER, Md. - Students with the Summer Academic Enrichment Program at McDaniel College are hard at work.  Nearly 250 rising high school seniors from Washington, DC are spending four weeks at McDaniel College in Carroll County.

They are experiencing college life and getting ready for higher learning.

"They are concerned that they don't have what it takes to be successful so we want to help build their confidence and give them the skills and tools to be successful," said Kya Dixon, Senior Program Officer for College Programs.

"I think the program is excellent if you want to get the college experience.  We have a lot of people dedicated to helping us with things necessary for college and get our minds ready and on track," said Tyrell Coleman, a rising senior.

The students are selected from low income neighborhoods.  Many of them have a lot to deal with at home.  Some have absent parents, they take care of younger siblings or take care of their own children. 

Tyrell Coleman is a senior from Southeast DC.  He's looking forward to getting out of his neighborhood, heading to college and becoming a physical therapist.  

He admits there are some distractions, but his mother kept him on the right track.

"It could be tough at times.  You could be easily influenced to do the wrong thing, but unfortunately I have a mother who really put the hammer down and made sure I was on the right track," said Coleman.

This program teaches students about college life skills like dealing with roommates and time management. It is all in an effort to let students know they can go to college.

"They have new skills they didn't have in the past and friendships that will last them a lifetime.  They have an understanding that people believe in them and they will graduate with that support behind them," said Lisa Breslin, Associate Dean of Student Academic Life at McDaniel College.

Students are eligible to receive two academic credits at the end of the summer program.  Six High Schools teamed up with McDaniel College for the program.