*Summer Program*

1. The Summer Discovery Program

The Summer Discovery Program is open to rising 9th-11th grade students and focuses on developing project management skills. Collaborative learning projects correlate with the Virginia Standards of Learning in the areas of math, science, writing, composition, foreign language, and technology. All new students and returning students are required to attend the Summer Discovery Program for the entire six weeks on campus.

 

The Summer Discovery Program is non-residential. We are serious about learning - not just facts and figures, formulas or essays but about the process of learning. There is a certain energy that makes summer so special. Students have the opportunity to learn and use:

 

1. Organizational, leadership, and research skills;

2. Time management, team work and project development skills;

3. State-of-the-art technology and software; and

4. Human relations and conflict resolution skills.

 

Over the past years the following projects have been developed by the summer staff: Forensic Science, Genetics, Robotics, Cinematography, Geology, Meteorology, Astronomy, ThinkQuest web site design, Bridge Building/Engineering, Graphic Design, Ecology, Environmental Science, Rollercoaster Physics, CO2 Car Design, Rocketry, Anatomy and Physiology, Herpetology, Latin, Computer Animation, Aerospace Engineering, and Theater.

 

Each team consists of 8-10 students and one instructor. The goal of the team is to work together to find solutions, develop prototypes, and complete their project. Instructors plan field trips to local businesses, colleges, universities, museums and scientific laboratories to help students better understand the real-world value of their projects. Professionals in the field are available during these field trips to answer questions and to help find solutions to problems within the projects.

 

The Student Showcase on Parents' Day is the culmination of the research, project development, and finished work of five weeks on campus. On this day, students have the opportunity to present their work to parents, college faculty, and local media.

 

2. The ASPIRE Career Work Study Program

 

The ASPIRE Program is open to rising 12th grade students and provides work study positions for students with local businesses and college partners. The ASPIRE Program begins during 11th grade academic year with an intense focus on career development and college exploration.

 

3. College Bridge Program

 

The College Bridge Program is available to graduating seniors and provides the tuition, text books and fees for two college transferable classes.

The SwVCC Upward Bound program offers three distinctly different summer programs.

The Summer Discovery Program

The ASPIRE Career Work Study Partnership

The College Bridge program

Back to Home Page