Bunker Hill Community College Offers College Preparation Program for Chelsea Students
Monday, October 15, 2012
TRIO-Talent Search, a federally funded program that supports high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds, has launched a special initiative this summer. There is currently space to accept additional students in the program from Chelsea High School.
TRIO-Talent Search was launched at Chelsea High School in May of this year. Operated by Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) in partnership with Chelsea Public Schools and Families United in Educational Leadership (FUEL), the program offers a variety of outreach, early college awareness and student support services designed to prepare Chelsea High School students for college.
This summer, TRIO is offering eligible students college visits, volunteer opportunities and workshops. Students in the program recently visited the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology where they learned about vocational programs in ophthalmology, automotive technology, architectural science and other fields. Students also practiced job and college interview skills at a workshop with volunteers from various industries. Participants in the program also sorted and packed more than 3,000 pounds of food at the Greater Boston Food Bank. Upcoming summer programs include: college visits to UMass Boston, UMass Dartmouth and Salem State University, volunteer opportunities at organizations such as GreenFest and Cradles to Crayons, and workshops on study skills and essay writing.
During the school year, TRIO offers tutoring in math, science, and English, college admissions counseling, and assistance in completing college applications and financial aid forms. “I think the real value of the program is exposing students to the opportunities available,” said Program Director Austin Gilliland. “We’re helping students to succeed in high school so that they can also succeed in college.”
For more information or if interested in applying, please contact the TRIO office, located at the Chelsea High School Library (617-466-5075), or e-mail Director Austin Gilliland at agillila@bhcc.mass.edu. Se habla Español. Nou pale Kreyòl. (Spanish and Haitian Creole spoken).
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About Bunker Hill Community College
With more than 50 years of academic excellence, Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) is one of Massachusetts' largest community colleges, serving approximately 16,000 students annually. With campuses in Charlestown and Chelsea, BHCC offers a broad range of educational opportunities throughout Greater Boston. BHCC fosters a welcoming and supportive learning environment for students by offering associate degrees and certificates, early college and dual enrollment, community education, corporate training, and industry-specific programs.