MxCC Continues Free College Readiness Program for Local Residents

As part of its ongoing effort to prepare students to transition successfully to college, Middlesex Community College will again offer local adults and high school students the chance to attend a free “Transitional Strategies” program.  Courses in the program help students build academic habits along with math and English skills – steps which increase student success at the college level and improve overall retention and graduation rates.  Registration is open now for classes at MxCC’s Middletown campus beginning February 16, 2016, and at the Meriden Center beginning January 22 or January 27, 2016.  Students must qualify for the program by taking MxCC’s Basic Skills Assessment and scoring at a transitional level.  For more information on the Middletown program, contact Donna Bontatibus, dbontatibus@mxcc.edu; in Meriden or Wallingford, contact Tami Christopher, tchristopher@mxcc.edu.

Each program includes a Freshman Seminar which emphasizes learning strategies and critical thinking skills. Students who complete this seminar earn three college credits (for free) which can be applied to any MxCC degree.  Students also take one or both “fast track” workshops in math (algebra) or English (essay writing, grammar, and reading comprehension).  All classes are small to ensure one-on-one academic support.  Additional support such as daycare or bus tokens are available through the Middletown Adult Education.

“The Basic Skills Assessment is such a valuable tool that helps us place college students in the most appropriate academic level,” explained Professor Donna Bontatibus, English coordinator at MxCC. “When students score at a ‘transitional’ level – either because they have been away from traditional education for a while or because they never fully grasped these concepts in high school – we know they will be more successful in college if they first receive refresher courses in math or English.  This free, convenient program helps students move forward in reaching their goals, saving time and money in the long run.”

At the end of the workshops, students retake the basic skills assessment tests in math and/or English for placement into college-level courses.