The College Edge
An On-Campus Summer Workshop for College-Bound Students Who Learn Differently
Students who learn differently often find themselves navigating their college experience without a map — and feeling alone.
It leaves students feeling overwhelmed, unable to keep up with assignments, and disconnected from professors and classmates. And too many students ultimately drop out of college, dissatisfied with their college experience and their confidence shaken.
The College Edge provides students a supportive environment to experience the rigorous demands of college — with coaching and workshops designed to build their college readiness skills.
June 22 – July 2, 2024
Applications are open for summer 2024! Apply early to secure your space in this popular program.
How do we do it?
Beacon’s College Edge is a highly interactive on-campus residential experience. Students participate in three focused workshop days, followed by four days of immersive college-level courses. All activities, counseling and instruction target self-awareness and skill-building in areas critical to college succes: academic, executive functioning, and social and emotional well-being.
Through practical exercises and immediate feedback, students learn how to improve their college-level skills — and successfully apply these critical strategies to their future college environment.
Workshops
Leading faculty and experts direct workshops in:
• Executive functioning
• Critical thinking, reading, writing
• Social integration and emotional well-being
Each workshop includes interactive surveys, brief lectures, and experiential learning activities. Students build confidence in these areas and concrete strategies to execute these vital college skills.
Academic Courses
Each student participates in three mock-college courses to help build familiarity with the elements of college academics. Students experience syllabus review, lecture-style courses, projects and peer collaboration, and more. Courses are general education-style to provide students a wide understanding of disciplines and explore their interests.
Accuplacer Testing
Common in college and university environments, the Accuplacer Test in reading helps us make specific recommendations for each student at the beginning of the program. Students also experience and practice a campus-wide assessment and standardized test they may encounter during their college transition.
College-Living Labs
Students participate in hands-on college-living labs to build executive functioning, social and independent living skills. Topics include:
• Living with roommates
• Financial management
• Making social connections
• Understanding college regulations
Social Activities
One of the most difficult transitions in college is the balance of academics, social life and self-care. The College Edge helps students build confidence and awareness around these important decisions. Students are provided a range of on- and off-campus activities to choose from, including nearby theme parks!
More Information
• Step 1 – Click here to complete the online application.
• Step 2 – Your online application will request the following documents, or you can send them to us directly at the contact information below.
☐ Official high school and college transcripts showcasing work completed to date
☐ Two Letters of Recommendation (Download the Summer Program Recommendation Form)
☐ Psychoeducational testing or IEP/504 documents
• Step 3 – Complete a family interview. After your application documents are received, we will reach out to you to schedule your personal interview.
The College Edge is for:
• Current high school seniors graduating before this year’s program
• Students who have taken a gap year after high school
• Current college students aged 18-22 (who have ideally earned fewer than 30 credits)
• Current college students preparing to transfer
Is this you? Click here to apply online.
The College Edge’s all-inclusive cost is $3,450. This includes all on-campus programming and expenses including meals, housing and activities. Students are responsible for their travel to and from Beacon College for the program.
Scholarships are available for accepted students with demonstrated need.
To apply, please download the Scholarship Application, complete it and return it to us.
Take the Next Step
Apply Online
We’re accepting rolling applications for the the 2024 College Edge, but we do expect this program to fill up! Apply early to ensure the track and courses of your choice.
Attend an Info Session
Learn more about the program through a live virtual information session. The next event is coming up on Jan. 17, 2024:
Schedule a Meeting
Meet one-on-one with Beacon’s director of summer programming to help determine if the College Edge is right for you: