More than 140 Learn to Dream Scholarship
students spent the summer preparing for their first year at Southeast Community
College. Students took part in the first-ever DreamLab, which is a
joint effort between SCC’s Transitions Lab and Learn to Dream, where students
can work on improving test scores and study habits through a variety of
workshops.
“This was a brand-new program
with more than 400 students who qualified,” said Geriann Rada, director of the
Transitions Lab. “We wanted to get the students acclimated to college and help
raise their placement scores.” Rada and her advisors help students transition
to college by providing academic support and guidance.
From June-August, Learn to
Dream students took part in a series of 18 workshops ranging in topics like
improving test scores, study habits, meeting other students, Gallup
StrengthFinders, and more.
“They helped me raise my test
scores in English and math,” said Ahmed Muhammad, “I also was able to meet a
lot of people here, and they helped me to find out where my classes are. I’ve never
had an experience like this before.”
“I really liked meeting all
the new people and doing group activities,” said Valencia Mercurio.
“This program helped me feel more confident in what I’m doing in college.”
During the last workshop on
Aug. 20, students were able to celebrate their accomplishments while taking
part in scavenger hunts, elevator speeches, a pizza party, and a drawing for a
40-inch HDTV. A fun way to cap off a summer of hard work, Rada said.
“They were able to learn
about elevator speeches,” Rada explained. “If they were to meet Warren Buffet
in an elevator, what would they say to him to get a job?”
The Learn to Dream Scholarship,
which pays for two years of tuition and fees to SCC, is a joint effort between
Nelnet, Union Bank & Trust, the Acklie Charitable Foundation, SCC, and
Lincoln Public Schools. All high school seniors in Lincoln who qualify for free
and reduced lunch are eligible for the scholarship. There is no grade-point
average requirements to get accepted, but a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA must be
earned at SCC to maintain the scholarship.
“We’re hoping with DreamLab
this summer that we gave them the tools and resources to succeed,” Rada added.