Senior year is big a transition period for a lot of students and families. It marks the metaphorical bridge from adolescence to adulthood and can be a very intimidating change for most high schoolers, especially those individuals who will be the first in their family to attend college. However, there are several programs available to make the transition go a bit more smoothly. One example is the Public Education Foundation’s (PEF) Camp College initiative, which helps juniors seamlessly transition into the college and get a jump start on the application process.

Over 1000 students have been able to receive quality support through the PEF Camp College program since 1999. Senior College Adviser Stacy Alexander has witnessed the positive impact of the program over the years, and encouraged the rising seniors to take advantage of the opportunity.

“Camp College is a program at Sewanee for upcoming seniors to get a head start at being a senior. There, they meet college advisers, learn how to write college-style essays, and have mentors to help them during their senior year,” Alexander revealed.

This year, Camp College will be going on from June 18 until June 20 at Sewanee: The University of the South. Since the program is geared towards low-income and first generation college-going students, there are a few requirements that must be met by applicants. If the criteria are met, the student is eligible to attain the scheduled benefits.

“In order to participate, the student must be a junior with a 3.0 GPA on free or reduced lunch. They must pay a $25 enrollment fee, however, after that fee is met, everything else will be paid for, including food, rooms, and transportation,” Alexander said.

Camp College’s overall mission is to help as many students be adequately prepared to begin their college journey without feeling discouraged by the lengthy, complicated application process. By giving participants the ability to experience dorm life for themselves, the program hopes to quell students’ woes.

“This program gets students familiar with the college campus lifestyle. The program has been helping students for about twenty years now, and they are excited to participate every year,” Alexander added.

Students interested should visit Alexander in the guidance office or contact PEF Youth Services Manager Janice Neal at (423) 668-2423 or through Neal’s email: janice@pefchattanooga.org.