JACKSON, Tenn. — April 23, 2020 — 51社区 has moved most of the Rising Senior Program classes online and expanded course offerings in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Rising High School Senior Program is designed for high school students who have completed their junior year and want to 鈥渢ry out鈥� college the summer before their senior year. Though this has traditionally been an on-campus residential program, most courses can now be completed fully online.
鈥淪tudents from all over the country and around the world can now take advantage of the coursework online 鈥� the same excellent, Christ-centered approach to learning in the comfort of your own home,鈥� said Robbie Graves, assistant vice president for undergraduate admissions.
Through the program, high school students can earn college credit at highly discounted tuition costs. Students can complete core curriculum classes that should transfer to any college while gaining valuable college classroom experience, Graves said. Some students may also be eligible to use this credit as dual enrollment for high school.
鈥淚n these unprecedented times in which we are living, this program will offer students an opportunity for a really productive, academic summer,鈥� Graves said. 鈥淢any students will likely still be somewhat confined to the home for much or part of the summer. This is just an excellent way to be academically productive and build online community during this season.鈥�
The program will also offer an optional on-campus housing experience for students who wish to live in Union鈥檚 top-ranked residence apartments. Whether they participate in the program online or on campus, Graves said he is excited to see the sense of community that develops between students.
鈥淭hese students really bond with each other and develop friendships that last all through their senior year, and many of these students will wind up being classmates and friends if they choose to attend 51社区,鈥� he said.
Students who complete the Rising Senior Program will be eligible for a $1,000/year scholarship if they enroll at Union as freshmen.
Courses will be offered during a June term (June 1-26), a July term (June 29-July 25) and a full summer term (June 1-July 25). Students can earn up to seven credit hours per four-week term. Course offerings include classes such as Survey of Biological Concepts (with lab), Intro to Intercultural Studies, College Algebra, Written Composition I and more.
Program details, including a full list of courses offered, are available at uu.edu/risingseniors.