Closing The Gap

Closing the Gap is a yearlong* program designed to help prepare high school juniors and seniors for the college experience ahead. Students work with college faculty, staff, students and mentors to develop the skills necessary to thrive in college. We begin with a retreat that is part getting-to-know-you activities and part Foundational topics and discussions.  The rest of the sessions focus on academic, social and spiritual challenges, as well as helping students explore vocational calling and personal worldview.

The time commitment is not overwhelming to most.  The class is stretched out over two semesters (from October to April)*. During that time students will attend approximately six classes and two retreats. In addition to onsite activities, there will be an online component and assignments to correspond with the classes. Students will also meet with their mentors.

The location offered for each class is the Geneva College campus in Beaver Falls, PA, unless otherwise indicated on the schedule.

If you are a Junior or Senior in High School and are interested in going to college, then you are eligible to apply for this program.

Students participating in Closing the Gap receive a large discount for four transferrable college credits: one (1) for the Fall semester and three (3) for the Spring semester. The cost is $75 per credit ($300 total). These credits would typically cost a little less than $1000 per credit.

The cost of the program is $300 and includes the following:

• Four transferrable college credits offered through Geneva College
• Two weekend academic retreats
• Textbooks

Many students come to college unprepared for the academic challenges. By participating in closing the gap, students are prepared academically, socially, spiritually and intellectually for the college experience. Through classroom discussions and online assignments, students are equipped to better understand their identity and their calling. In addition, this program helps to connect high school students with faculty, staff and educators involved in campus ministry from various college campuses.

Students will interact with a variety of faculty and staff from Geneva College as well as guest speakers from other colleges and universities. In addition to working with college faculty, you will learn firsthand about the college experience from college students as well as young professionals that work with college students.

Class time is an energetic and interactive experience. While in class you won′t be just sitting in a desk and listening to a lecture. Instead you will interact with guest speakers, work in small groups, and learn how to communicate at a college level.

The program is designed to prepare students for college. You don′t have to come prepared because we will help you get there! Through individual mentoring and a unique environment, you will find yourself in a community of learners, helping you prepare for whatever your next step will be.

Since a portion of the program is done through online participation, computer and internet access are important. However, if you do not have regular access to a computer with internet, we will work with you to help make arrangements.