Parkland College will provide free career-explorational sessions for current high school students during its Summer Start 2024 program.
Summer Start helps prepare low-income, first-generation college and minority high school students for successful college experiences and careers. It is funded by grants from the Illinois Community College Board’s Innovative Bridge and Transition Program as well as the federal Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund.
“We recognize that there are students and their families in our community who have had limited experience with higher education and may not be aware of the value and career opportunities that can be found by pursuing a college experience,” Morgann Quilty, director of Parkland’s Learning Commons, said. “These sessions connect students with career demonstrations and help them learn the skills they need to be successful in college.”
Student participants will take career assessments, explore careers through guest speakers and interactive experiences, learn computer literacy using laptops they can keep, and receive academic support services along with a stipend to help offset loss of income from summer jobs.
Session One is June 3-13, from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, which includes a light breakfast and lunch. Session Two is June 17-27. MTD vouchers are available for those who need transportation reaching campus.
Students can apply here. Priority is given to DREAAM program participants, students on the free and reduced lunch program and those who have been recommended by high school counselors. Spaces are limited.
For more information click here or email pce@parkland.edu.