FEATURED HONOR STUDENT

Will Boyer

The UCLA Center for Community College Partnerships (CCCP) has several summer programs that is geared to help developing and strengthening academic partnerships between UCLA and California community colleges, particularly those with large underrepresented student populations. The 3 programs that were available this summer were the summer intensive transfer experience (SITE), summer transfer enrichment program (STEP), and summer transfer program (STP). SITE is a 5-day residential program that focuses mainly on 1st generation, low income, older, and/or underrepresented students to help them navigate the community college system; complete the appropriate coursework; and maximize their time in order to make a smooth, quick and successful transition to a University of California campus. Once you attend one of these events you become a part of the CCCP Scholars Program and a CCCP Scholar.

I attended the SITE 2009 program where I received one of the most valuable experiences of my college career. When we first arrived we were placed in the dorms at Hedrick Hall and given agenda for the entire 5 days. The fast pace of the program is used to simulate the rapid change in pace when you transfer from a community college to a UC such as UCLA. The workshops consisted of a wide amount of subjects relating to the UC experience. There was a workshop for entering the community, plans of action once you have been accepted, majors vs. careers, admissions, financial aid, importance of research, becoming a better student, resources at the community college, and even more! There was also multiple classes regarding Native Americans, undocumented students, how to write at a UC level, and more. These classes even assigned homework to enhance the UC experience.

Another great thing the SITE program did was brought representatives from almost every UC and they answered everyone’s questions and passed out information about their respective schools. With such a wide diversity of students all in one place it was amazing the amount of support all the students and staff had for one another; it was truly an eye-opening experience. We had breakfast and dinner in the dorm dining hall and the food was so good. Perhaps the best part of the SITE program is the networking you do. I was placed in a small group and each group had a mentor who you are expected to contact regularly and update on your progress towards transferring to a UC. This makes it extremely easy to stay on track and have any questions you have answered. At the end of the program they even had a talent show and dance which was a nice conclusion to an amazing experience. This program can be one of the most influential experiences on someone’s plans to transfer to a UC. So if you do plan to transfer to a UC don’t miss out!

Will Boyer
MSJC Honor Student

"The Past: Our cradle, not our prison; there is danger as well as appeal in its glamor. The past is for inspiration, not imitation, for continuation, not repetition." - Israel Zangwill

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