College offers free readiness workshops; pays cash incentives
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Muskegon Community College (MCC) officials are ready to repeat the success of “Kick Off,” a free program that delivered college readiness skills and $400 cash to 52 adults this past summer. MCC is offering new six-week sessions that will meet from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at the main campus in Muskegon. Those who successfully complete the program and online assignments will earn $400 cash and be better prepared to start college classes in January.
“The adults who enrolled in Kick Off this past summer improved their skills, gained confidence, and have an extra 400 dollars in their pockets,” said Hollie Benson, chair of MCC’s College Success Center. “They became more familiar with the campus, made connections with other students, and many are enrolled and thriving,” she added.
Kick Off participants will choose between an October 2 or October 23 start date and will attend workshops to help refresh their math and English skills and prepare for college-level classes. In addition, they will connect with campus resources and develop skills that support academic, career, and life success. Loaner laptops, food on class days, and school supplies are all included. Each session is limited to 24 adults per session to ensure personal support and attention. Students must be high school graduates or have earned a GED to participate.
Space is limited and advance registration is required at https://www.muskegoncc.edu/college-success-center/kick-off/ To learn more contact Jalen Smith at 231-777-0496 or email jalen.smith@muskegoncc.edu.
MCC’s Kick Off is offered through the Academic Catch-Up Program, administered by the Michigan Community College Association. The state-funded program has no age limit but is intended to counteract learning loss among recent high school graduates who experienced interruptions to in-person learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Academic Catch-Up Program is funded by the State of Michigan through Public Act 144 of 2022, which was approved by Governor Whitmer in July 2022. MCC’s College Success Center provides courses and educational resources intended to help MCC students improve their study habits as well as their academic skills in math, reading, and writing.