Dozens of recent high school graduates are jump starting their college careers at Southern Maine Community College this summer.

More than 40 students have enrolled in the college’s Summer Academy, a three-week, intensiveprogram that prepares students for college-level coursework, introduces them to college life and helps them to set career and academic goals.

Maine residents can attend the program for free and, upon completion, they also receive a $500 scholarship toward the fall semester. The students come from all across Maine, as well as from out-of-state.

“It’s not enough to simply get students into SMCC. We must also ensure that they succeed once they are here,” said Ron Cantor, the college president. “The Summer Academy provides the support and guidance that allows students to make a successful transition from high school to college.”

The Summer Academy kicked off last week and runs through July 21. The academy, now in its second year, is one of several programs at Southern Maine Community College that are designed to provide support and academic guidance to help students succeed.

Other such programs include the MySuccess program and the Path to Graduation program. See www.smccme.edu for more information.

– Kate Irish Collins

Students taking part in Southern Maine Community College’s Summer Academy at a welcome barbecue.