Students Get Free Head Start

85 secondary school students have received a taste of college life and obtained three college credits after successfully completing Monroe College Saint Lucia Campus’ innovative ‘Jump Start’ programme at no cost.
The fifteen week programme offered fourth and fifth form students the opportunity to undertake an introductory college level course in Principles of Accounting, Information Technology, Contemporary Health Issues, Hospitality or Marketing Foundations.
The subjects are based on the Jump Start’s goal of demonstrating the link between a sound college education and a good career. Students also received guidance in a number of related areas such as improving study, writing and speaking skills and career advice.
The College held its certificate ceremony for the 2012 Jump Start graduates at the National Cultural Centre on Saturday February 9th, 2013.
Senior Vice President of Monroe College Saint Lucia Campus Dr. Alex Ephrem congratulated the students and urged them to continue striving for academic excellence.
“Education is very powerful. It opens the doors for a lot of good things. Without education, it is very hard to succeed in life and to make an impact on the society. All of you understood the importance of this opportunity, you took it, came here, while some of your companions who started with you were not able to complete the programme, you did. What we are going to tell you today is don’t stop what you have started,” he said.
Over four hundred students applied for one of the one hundred available places in the programme.  Top performer in Accounting Ms. Faith Robinson says the competitive programme and its three college credits, gives students an important head start towards higher education.
“I wanted to pursue Finance and I wanted to know what the College life was all about. This programme gave me that opportunity. It was a very fun experience. The professors ensure that students understand each concept before moving along. All I had to do was study, put my best foot forward. I gave it my all and I’m so proud that I’m successful right now and I received my three college credits,” she said.
The Jump Start programme is one of many initiatives undertaken by Monroe College to contribute to educational development, since establishing its Saint Lucia campus in 2007. There is no charge for tuition and course materials.
In the coming week, the College will begin its CXC preparation classes for selected secondary school students who need assistance with Math, English and other chosen subjects.