Empowering Camden Prep Seniors Through College Readiness Workshop

Under the summer sun, the Rowan University campus witnessed a transformative partnership in action as rising seniors from Camden Prep High School were prepared for their imminent higher education journey. The recently concluded College Readiness Workshop, a joint effort between CHSS’s English Department and Camden Prep High School, equipped these future graduates with vital skills and the right mindset for success.

Held on August 24 and 25, the workshop targeted the first graduating class of Camden Prep. This marked a pivotal moment for many students who would be pioneers in their families, embarking on the unexplored path of college life. The program, which encompassed essay-writing skills and a comprehensive college transition readiness, left an indelible impact.

The workshop came to fruition when Dr. Cathy Wilcoxson, the English Department chair, connected with Outstanding English Major Christina Ma. Christina, who was engaged in student teaching at Camden Prep, facilitated the collaboration between Dr. Wilcoxson and Kaeden Carroll, the Director of College Counseling at Camden Prep High School.

The goal of the workshop was to arm students with the essential tools they needed to excel academically and mentally as they entered their college journeys. Participants engaged in brainstorming, drafting, and writing college admission essays while also immersing themselves in enrichment activities, including campus tours and visits to the Engineering building. The students were enthralled by the campus tour, given by one of Rowan's Student Ambassadors, Jocelyn. Jocelyn also discussed her college journey, which resonated with the students.

The students were also visited by Rowan staff members, organized by Monica Neuber, English Department secretary. Christine Larsen-Britt, a Program Advisor for CHSS, illuminated the significance of advising and managing the transition to an Undeclared major. Ann Cioffi, a First-Year Admissions Counselor, discussed the programs Rowan has to offer, as well as the application process.

Thanks to Monica, students were able to take home an array of Rowan swag, generously provided by various departments across campus. From backpacks and water bottles to beach balls and sunglasses, they also received items like chapstick, pens, stickers, stress balls, wooden airplanes, yo-yos, magnets, cell phone card sleeves, lanyards, highlighter pens, and more. Lunch was also provided for the students over the two days, thanks to the generosity of the CHSS Dean’s Office

Michelle Mora, a college counselor at Camden Prep High School, emphasized the workshop's role in establishing a strong foundation for the student's academic journey. "This course played a pivotal role in laying the groundwork and preparing us for the school year," she said. "It was a remarkable opportunity to provide them with a taste of what we'd delve deeper into during the academic year as seniors."

Kaeden Carroll expressed gratitude for the partnership with CHSS. "We really appreciate the help from Rowan to get some writing support from the English department and also just the opportunity to have students out of school, out of Camden, and have them really be able to see themselves on a college campus, feel welcome in this amazing building and feel like they could really see themselves at Rowan or any other similar type of institution," Carroll stated.

The workshop not only aimed to equip students with academic skills but also to nurture a sense of belonging and support. "Many of our students are set to become the first in their families to attend college. It was empowering for them to witness that they'd receive substantial support not only from us in high school but also in the college environment," Carroll added.

The College Readiness Workshop has undoubtedly set a precedent for empowering students, nurturing their academic pursuits, and facilitating a seamless transition to college life. With plans to continue this partnership with Camden Prep High School and expand this initiative to more schools, the legacy of this collaboration is bound to endure, lighting the way for countless students toward success in higher education.

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