The Center for College Access offers LEAP Academy students college awareness and readiness programs designed to increase the number of students in Camden who successfully pursue a college education.  Since 2005, the Pre College Office has helped all five graduating classes of LEAP Academy achieve 100% college acceptance, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. 

In an urban district like Camden City, where, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 5% of adults over age 25 have a bachelor’s or graduate/professional degree, the need to improve access to higher education and success for Camden youth is critical.  The Pre College Office targets this problem by educating students about the college application process and working one-on-one with them to improve their overall academic portfolios.

Beginning in elementary school, The Office delivers academic advising, leadership programs, entrance exam preparation, school academic organizations, and unique college and career placement opportunities.  These programs see students step forward and take on leadership roles and gain the applied-learning experiences critical to raising their chances for success.

SUPERVISED ACTIVITIES & SERVICES:

Academic Advising / College application assistance
Throughout their tenure at LEAP, the Pre College Office meets with students and encourages their college and career aspirations. 

The Office leads students through every phase of the college application process: identifying schools and academic interests, meeting deadlines and requirements, building résumés and preparing personal essays, and securing financial aid through FAFSA and other sources.

Distance-learning / AP Courses
Through partnerships with Collegeboard.com, KeystoneNational High School, and Johns Hopkins University, the Pre College Office offers on-line academic courses to eligible LEAP high school students.  The partnerships expand Advanced Placement offerings from four on-site at LEAP to 19 on-line. 

Dual-Enrollment Programs
Partnerships with Rutgers University–Camden and Rowan University are allowing LEAP upperclassmen the chance to study in college classrooms and earn high school and college academic credits.  

The Rutgers Future Scholars program, meanwhile, brings eighth grade students to Rutgers–Camden throughout high school in order to experience life on college campuses.  It also offers scholarship opportunities to students in the program who are accepted to Rutgers. 

LEAP College Fair
Each fall, the Pre College Office supervises LEAP’s College Fair, which invites 30 local and regional colleges and universities to LEAP Academy to meet with students.  The Fair provides much-needed information to seniors and juniors who are making their college decisions, but also introduces 7-10 grade students to potential college choices. 

National Honor Societies (Grades 8-12)
LEAP Academy’s National Honor Societies recognize the academic and leadership potentials of the brightest and most dedicated students LEAP and Camden have to offer.  The Pre College Office inducts outstanding students each year, the Senior NHS welcomes 10-12 grade students while the Junior NHS recognizes 8-9 graders. 

Student members engage in community and school service events and take on leadership roles at LEAP that prepare them for college and beyond. 

Student Government Association (SGA)
The Pre College Office supervises LEAP high school’s Student Government Association, which encourages students to take on leadership roles in the school.  Each spring, students campaign for President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer; winners are elected by the entire high school and assume their offices the following September. 

Student Ambassador Program
The Pre College Office created the LEAP Student Ambassador Program as a way to foster school pride and create a group of informed students who can advocate on behalf of LEAP Academy.  School ambassadors lead school orientations for new students, welcome parents at Open House events, and represent LEAP at community events in Camden. 

COLLEGE ACCESS TEAM

Khary Golden
Program Admin. (10-12)
(856) 614-2089
khary@camden.rutgers.edu

Maria Sandona
Program Fellow (K-6)
sandona@camden.rutgers.edu