First generation and/or multicultural high school students who have been accepted to the College of Charleston for fall 2010 will be on campus for a month taking classes and learning about campus life. The College of Charleston’s Office of Multicultural Student Program and Services is hosting its annual summer transition program, SPECTRA from July 5 – August 5, 2010. Students will take two classes during the Summer II session, learn college survival skills, interact with current College of Charleston students, and attend workshops led by faculty.

Students will also have the opportunity to volunteer with local non-profits each Tuesday during the program. The College’s Center for Civic Engagement has set up opportunities with the Children’s Garden Project, Canon Street YMCA, Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, The Boys and Girls Club, and the YWCA. On August 3, the students will give reflections about their experiences during their weeks of service.

Students will also participate in a special Cougar Excursion, through the Higdon Student Leadership Center hear a presentation on “Steven Covey’s 7 habits of highly effective people.” Finally, they will have the opportunity to participate in an academic fair.

The SPECTRA/SCAMP programs are sponsored by the College of Charleston and provide special academic, cultural and learning opportunities for incoming multicultural and/or first generation freshman students.

For more information about the SPECTRA/SCAMP programs, contact Teresa Smith, director of the Office of Multicultural Student Programs and Services at 843.953.5660.