PRESS, initially funded by the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) through the Wal-Mart Foundation, has been created to increase the retention of first-generation college students at minority-serving institutions. This program is academically focused and will help foster student development and build skills in critical thinking, creative writing, and time management through classroom-based strategies. PRESS was specifically designed to address the difficulties that first-generation college students face transitioning into the collegiate environment. PRESS will strengthen curriculum and support structures so that students who enter their collegiate careers underprepared can become a successful member of the academic community.
Built on the foundations of a Community of Learning, PRESS provides an environment that stresses the balance between academic and extra-curricular components of University life. PRESS requires the completion of two core courses that were designed to increase students' ability to synthesize interdisciplinary information. Assigned to a faculty advisor who will guide them through matriculation at Hampton University, students will have access to free tutors, faculty mentors, and enrichment activities. Academic skill-building will be reinforced through a Successful Scholars Seminar Series that will include such topics as testing strategies, financial literacy, and goal-setting. Students will be required to participate in all seminars, group projects, and a service learning/civic engagement component. The students must also participate in annual follow-up surveys for at least two years, to aid in data-collection that will enable the University to better serve first-generation students in the future. A minimum of twenty hours each month will be devoted directly to project activities.
Built on the foundations of a Community of Learning, PRESS provides an environment that stresses the balance between academic and extra-curricular components of University life. PRESS requires the completion of two core courses that were designed to increase students' ability to synthesize interdisciplinary information. Assigned to a faculty advisor who will guide them through matriculation at Hampton University, students will have access to free tutors, faculty mentors, and enrichment activities. Academic skill-building will be reinforced through a Successful Scholars Seminar Series that will include such topics as testing strategies, financial literacy, and goal-setting. Students will be required to participate in all seminars, group projects, and a service learning/civic engagement component. The students must also participate in annual follow-up surveys for at least two years, to aid in data-collection that will enable the University to better serve first-generation students in the future. A minimum of twenty hours each month will be devoted directly to project activities.