LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - Thirty Pennsylvania students from across the state participated in Lock Haven University’s Act 101 Summer program which ended July 24.

The summer program is offered each year by the office of Academic Development and Counseling. According to program director Douglas M. Posey, “The purpose of the program is to familiarize students with campus life and to develop the academic skills needed for success in college.”

Act 101 is the Pennsylvania Higher Education Equal Opportunity Act of 1971. Each year, Lock Haven University offers an Act 101 Equal Opportunity Program during its second summer session.

Students in the program take two 3-credit courses chosen from English, mathematics, sociology, health and speech. Peer mentors, most of whom are former Act 101 summer program students, serve as tutors. Classes run from Monday to Thursday each week during the five-week session.

In addition, program participants take a 1-credit course designed to develop academic skills such as note-taking, test-taking, test preparation and use of library resources.

Students live on campus and participate in social and recreational activities including a trip to Hershey Park and a performance at Millbrook Playhouse. Other activities include a movie night, community service and a scavenger hunt.

Posey is particularly impressed with this year’s program participants. “They are a motivated, focused and a goal-oriented group that seems determined to take advantage of this opportunity, he said. “They are very serious about what they can accomplish.”
The students expressed their confidence that their efforts will pay off. One student said that the program provided “the push and confidence needed to be successful.” Another student commented, “Taking summer classes really helps you get motivated,” and added, “There is nothing I can think of about these classes that wouldn’t give you a head start for college.”

Information about Act 101 is available on the Pennsylvania Department of Education website: www.pdehighered.state.pa.us.