Mara Dworkin

100 College Avenue,

Philadelphia, PA, 19106
Telephone: 610-551-2701
Email: mjdworkin55@gmail.com
www.centralcollege.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CENTRAL COLLEGE TO PARTICPATE IN EARLY SUPPORT

PROGRAM
(PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 24) Central College is one of five institutions of
higher education that have been selected to participate in the Early Support
program. The four-year pilot study is geared toward helping local high school
students improve their reading, writing, math and computer skills prior to entering
college.
Central College was selected by the Pennsylvania Educational Research
Foundation to design and execute online interactive classrooms for high school
students struggling academically. High school and college counselors as well as
foundation analysts will identify students who will complete their final two years
of high school through online courses. Students will attend interactive classrooms
set up through Pennsylvania with state-of-the-art equipment provided under a
grant from the Federal Educational Resources Commission.
(more)

Early Support Program p. 2 of 3

Dr. Leon C. DeWitt, Central College president, said, We want every high school
student to feel prepared for graduation and excited for their future. We hope that
by giving them a more personal learning experience, we will give them the tools
and motivation to continue their learning.
Students progress in the program will be monitored and reported at the high
school level in an effort to increase graduation rates. Central College has agreed
to accept for admission and provide financial aid to all applicants from the
participating high schools that are successful in the program.
Connecting with local high schools will allow us to foster relationships and give
back to the surrounding community, Central Colleges Director of Academic
Computing, Antoine St. Pierre, said.
Other institutions participating in the program are: Lehigh University,
Muhlenberg College, Villanova University, and Philadelphia University.
Since 1902, Central College has been a leader in educating young minds as the
first institution of higher education in the Philadelphia region. Consistently
ranking among the regions most beautiful campuses, Central College offers a
respite from its urban surroundings. With over 4,500 students currently enrolled,
Central College has graduated some of the citys most prominent business and
civic leaders. The first college with a computer program in the valley, today
Central College remains the hub of online technology in the region.
(more)

Early Support Program p. 3 of 3

To learn more about Central Colleges innovative programs and courses visit
www.centralcollege.edu.
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If you would like more information on the program or have any questions or
concerns, please contact Mara Dworkin at her email mjdworkin55@gmail.com or
call her at 610-551-2701.