National College Transition Network

ABE to College Transition: A Resource for ABE and ESOL Teachers and Programs

College Transition Program
Second Start
17 Knight St.
Concord NH 03301
Tel: (603) 228-1341 ext. 208
Fax: (603) 228-3852

Joanne Del Deo, Program Coordinator
Christina O'Hara, Program Instructor
Vigdis Dunn, Program Counselor
www.second-start.org

Since 1971, Second Start has been offering a wide variety of programs designed to improve the economic and educational well being of New Hampshire residents in the greater Concord area. Second Start provides supportive, affordable and effective educational programs, including adult basic education, job training and career counseling, education and training for at-risk-youth and child care services.

The College Transition Program is the latest addition to the programs being offered. Through the College Transition Program, students spend 15 weeks focusing on the specific skills they will need to be enrolled in college by the end of the term. Instruction
concentrates on increasing reading, writing and math skills to a level of college readiness. Participants also gain a working knowledge of computers and how to effectively use the internet. A portion of the program helps students develop college-level study skills that will last them a lifetime. In addition to academic skills, participants in the College Transition Program also become acquainted with what it means to be a college student. Students learn about various aspects of the college culture, including but not limited to, course expectations, grading policies, career counseling and the financial aid process including applying for federal aid through the online FAFSA.

Although our program graduates are open to enroll in any college of their choice, we are proud to partner with NH Technical Institute in Concord, where our students are introduced to the Admissions and Financial Aid departments, along with the Library and Learning Center. Our students meet with representatives and tour each of these areas and are even taught how to effectively use the library to research and write a brief term paper.

Classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-9 pm for two fifteen-week terms throughout the academic year. Our instructor and counselor often co-teach several of the classes and are available both before and during each class to address issues and answer any questions.

Collaborating College:

New Hampshire Technical Institute,
http://www.nhti.edu/

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