Berry College - Multicultural and International Student Affairs

PLUS Program

The PLUS Program 2009 dates are scheduled as follows:

PLUS I Program Dates: July 12-18

PLUS II Program Dates: July 19-25

What are the PLUS I and PLUS II programs?
Preparing Leaders for Ultimate Success was implemented at Berry College in 1999. The programs are intended to encourage high-school students to pursue a post-secondary education, to provide skills needed to be successful in college, as well as to expose minority students to Berry's campus and lifestyle, in attempts to recuit and diversify.

PLUS I: The PLUS I program focuses on the student, as an individual, and is an educational experience. Students participate in classes that teach students how to prepare for college, i.e. financial aid and methods of locating scholarships and grants, applying for financial aid and scholarships, information related to possible majors/minors that may interest students, leadership classes and workshops, and experiences within the college-setting. One side field-trip is scheduled, thus allowing students to socialize with their fellow campers outside of the Berry College and Rome communities. Students also participate in community service activities that helps campers to build relationships with people within the surrounding community of Rome, GA.

PLUS II: Created in order to meet the high demand of students wishing to return for a second summer at Berry, the PLUS II program extends and reinforces all skills obtained during PLUS I. The program is also a weeklong program, which provides students with a "real life" taste of college. This program features workshops on a variety of topics such as leadership developmet; assertiveness; career exploration. Scheduled activities provide the opportunity for students to experience the "treasures" of Berry's campus that may otherwise go unnoticed, for example: the Old Mill, House o' Dreams, Oak Hill, etc. Students also attend presentations which introduce them to Berry's educational resources (the Counseling Center, the Health and Wellness Center-Ladd Center, the Career Center, the Office of First Year Experience, and the Academic Support Center).

All participants participate in "reflection", held each day, and the designated community service project. Social and recreational activities will be scheduled both on and off campus, and there will also be many activities organized that will allow students the opportunity to interact with Berry College students, alumni, faculty, and staff.

Who can attend?
Twenty-five minority students will be selected to attend each one week program. The first group, PLUS I, is designated only for rising high school junior, meaning that they will go into their junior year upon returning to school in the fall, following PLUS camp. PLUS II is designated for rising high school seniors, who will begin their senior year of high school upon returning to school during the fall, following PLUS camp.

Activities

PLUS I
This junior oriented program focuses on the SAT, raising the scores, test taking stratagies, etc. In addition to SAT prep, organized in conjunction with Sylvan Learning Center of Rome, the students also attend and participate in leadership workshops, assertive workshops, financial aid workshops, and a community service workshop accompanied by a community service project, all of which are led by Berry College faculty members.

PLUS II
This weeklong program will provide students with a “real life” taste of college. The students receive a "summer reading book," which is to be read before arriving to camp. This book of choice will focus on some sort of minority issue (racial, social, economic, etc.), and will be the topic of discussion during the book discussion meeting. PLUS II students also complete a designated group project that will be presented at the graduation banquet, held on Friday. Special guests such as the Berry College Dean of Students, Provost, and President will be invited to attend the group presentation and banquet.

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