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“Opening eyes and minds to the possibilities” is the spirit of Lycoming College Prep, a pre-collegiate enrichment program that brings high-achieving, first-generation rising seniors from across the nation to Lycoming College for two weeks in the summer. Now in its sixth year, the program’s goal is to give students a hands-on introduction to a liberal arts and sciences education and the vibrancy of campus life. Twenty students recently completed the two-week residential enrichment program from July 13-27, 2019.
AT&T has made this annual experience possible through its generous gifts to Lycoming College. This year’s contribution of $25,000 brought AT&T’s total support of the program to $165,000.
Program applicants are accepted from school districts in Lycoming County, Pa., as well as Lycoming’s partnership schools and organizations (KIPP, MOSTe, Noble, Say Yes, and Yes Prep). Thanks to the generosity of AT&T and Lycoming College, all participants’ costs are covered in full — including travel, housing in Asbury Hall, meals, snacks, school supplies, and field trips.
“At AT&T, we work with organizations across Pennsylvania to help prepare the next generation of business leaders for our state and nation,” said David Kerr, president – external affairs, AT&T Pennsylvania. “Lycoming College Prep is a great way to introduce students to college life and show them what they need to do today to prepare for their future success.”
“The primary goal of Lycoming College Prep is to give high-achieving, first-generation students from across the county and country the opportunity to explore a liberal arts education on a residential campus — to imagine the possibility of pursuing their education in this beautiful, unique, and supportive environment,” said Andrew Kilpatrick, associate dean of student success and academic services and the program’s director.
Participants had the opportunity to select one of two courses offered during the program, for which they earned two academic credits. David Broussard Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, presented “Fossils, Geologic Time, and Earth History: Exploring and Discovering Extinct Organisms and Ancient Ecosystems,” and Christopher Pearl, Ph.D., associate professor of history, presented “The Historian’s Witchcraft: Salem Witches Fact and Fiction.”
Students also attended presentations and workshops offered by members of the faculty, staff, alumni, current students, and members of the business community. Kerr presented a workshop to the students about career readiness and leadership.
In addition to learning in the classroom and gaining helpful tips for their college application process, participants enjoyed off-campus adventures such as a cruise down the Susquehanna River on the Hiawatha paddleboat, an excursion to a Williamsport Crosscutters game at Historic Bowman Field, a trip to Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland, dinner at The Stonehouse, and a tour of the Little League International Headquarters. Students also completed a community service project for residents at The Williamsport Home in Williamsport, Pa.
The two-week program concluded with a banquet and awards ceremony hosted by Lycoming College President Kent Trachte, Ph.D., and his wife, Sharon Trachte, Ph.D. at their home.