In spring of 2006 Elon’s administrators noticed a disturbing trend. Many academically capable high school students from Alamance County were unable or unwilling to go to college.

Administrators and faculty worked to find a solution to the growing problem, eventually starting cost-free college access program, The Elon Academy.

The Elon Academy is a three-year program that aims to inspire academically talented high school students who display financial need or no family history of attending college to enroll in a four-year undergraduate program.

Through monthly meetings and an annual summer residency program on campus, organizers plan to help the high school scholars with the college application process and financial aid.

“We have to help our students develop the resources and the resilience to stay in college,” said Deborah Long, director of the Elon Academy. “We think that we can provide that at the Academy.”

While most Elon students enjoyed summer break this June and July, 26 high school sophomores who made up the “alpha” class were on campus taking demanding faculty-taught courses.

During the scholars 14-hour days they were challenged to do anything from dissecting a sheep’s brain to solving crimes using math skills.

“Since I’ve been here I changed my perspective on everything,” said Riana McCollum from Eastern Alamance High School. “We’ve learned stuff that we never would have thought about learning.”

Scholars developed skills in writing, mathematics, science, social studies and technology through a variety of hands-on courses. Innovative teaching methods and lively subject matter kept the teens interested, while a special course on college planning helped them to begin the process of thinking about college.

When they weren’t in the classroom, scholars found many activities to keep them busy. They tended a community garden, learned new sports like golf and yoga, and worked to build personal a Web site.

They especially enjoyed a music production studio was set up in Smith dormitory where they lived during their month stay on campus.

“Normally I listen to someone else’s masterpiece, but here I am creating my own masterpiece,” said Darian Jackson from Western Alamance High School. “It makes me feel good. I love making music.”

Field trips all across the state were aimed to provide a balanced educational experience. The group spent the day at the North Carolina Zoo, paid a college visit to North Carolina A&T University and sat in during a meeting at the Burlington Times-News.

At the closing ceremony on July 13 students expressed anticipation for next summer’s session. A new class will join the current group, bringing total enrollment in the Academy to about 50.

Long expects participation to top out at 75 scholars once the third class begins in 2009.

News Editor: Olivia Hubert-Allen - 08/24/07