Summer Programs at AMSC

Trailblazer Student Institute (TSI)

The Trailblazer Student Institute (TSI) has been an ongoing program at Atlanta Metropolitan State College for the past 4 years.  TSI is a 12-month program for high school graduates that starts as a pre-college readiness summer bridge to build academic skills needed for success on the ACCUPLACER college placement exam.  The TSI college readiness component allows each student to gain a realistic understanding of what it means to be a college student.  Students in TSI are able to take valuable social and academic skills, from learning how to navigate the college process to activities and workshops that allow for a boost in confidence and self-esteem.  TSI aims to facilitate the successful transition from high school to college by providing classes that ultimately help students graduate from college.

Applications for the summer program open each February, and TSI accepts rising seniors and GED graduates.  To learn more about TSI at AMSC, contact Marvin DeWitt at 404-756-4046 or mdewitt@atlm.edu.    TSI is partially funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. 

Communities in Schools (CIS)

Communities in Schools is a non-profit organization that works primarily with Atlanta Public School students to promote the transition from high school to college. As its first year partnering with Atlanta Metropolitan State College, it offers high school students two important things. The first component of this program is Math and English classes that prepare students for the COMPASS Admissions Test, which serves as a college placement test. The second component of the program involves non-academic aspects of college that will help prepare the students for higher education. These program aspects include assisting students with admissions applications, financial literacy, a better understanding of college costs, and funding opportunities.

The future hope for this program is to extend its outreach. By this time next year (Summer 2017), CIS hopes to triple its participation to about 100 students.

For more information please visit the Communities in Schools website.

TRIO: Upward Bound

Upward Bound is a program designed to help low-income, first-generation students obtain college degrees. For almost 40 years Upward Bound has embodied the idea that even if you live in poverty, you can still receive a college education. The Atlanta Metropolitan State College branch of the program have three grants that support Fulton and Clayton county schools, and once a student enters the program they are a part of the program until they graduate. Each summer, around 210 students come to AMSC to broaden both their educational and cultural horizons. The Upward Bound summer program strives to provide a mini college experience by having the students take classes on campus; while also providing support with SAT and ACT prep, FAFSA workshops, professional workshops, college fee waivers, college tours, tutoring, application help, financial budgeting, and support for the parents.

The future hope for the program is to become more diverse; to take in all disadvantaged kids no matter what background they come from. Upward Bound would also like to increase the job shadowing opportunities they provide and community support. They currently have a contract with the NBA where the students are able to get a better sense on the different types of career opportunities.

For more information on Upward Bound, go to www.upwardboundatlm.com