Dream program offers more opportunities
By Francis Regalado

The Project Dream program returned this summer to increase the probability of students’ success at EPCC by offering a variety of workshops.

The one-month program, which ended on July 9, offered services four hours a day, Monday through Friday,

More than 100 students participated in the Project Dream program, learning subjects such as academic personal growth, time management, self esteem, academic advising, math anxiety and test-taking strategies.

Francis Regalado / Tejano Tribune

at each of the campuses except Northwest.

More than one hundred students participated, learning subjects such as academic personal growth, time management, self esteem, academic advising, math anxiety and test-taking strategies.

“The ultimate goal is to help students recognize their potential to succeed and enter college believing that there are classes they can take, there are goals they can reach, and there are resources they can use to help themselves succeed in college,” said Angelina Nuñez, co-director of Project Dream.

Part of the Summer Bridge Program, Project Dream is funded by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

EPCC received a grant of nearly $100,000 to assist students who are considered at risk due to a number of factors.

The participants of this program, said Nuñez, were students who completed their ESL courses but still needed help, recent high school graduates who needed to pass one portion of the TAKS, students who graduated several years prior are now deciding to come back to school, and those who have a GED.

“Those students who participated last summer have been such a positive influence on the students who are participating in summer of ‘08,” said Nuñez. Some students find that the benefits of the program can last a lifetime.

“It’s going to make me successful in life,” said Victor Serrano, Project Dream participant. There was a graduation ceremony on July 9 for those who completed the program.

According to Nuñez, each student who completed the program by taking the LASSI, and THEA exams, received a scholarship. Departments that assisted were Counseling, Technology Resources, P.A.S.S. program, continuing education, and PREP.