The summer is fast approaching, and with it comes the Summer Bridge Program at Rock Valley College. Applications are now being accepted. This term brings a new, exciting course to the program: photography.
The program is available to 16-to 18-year olds. A grant covers the cost for students. This includes tuition, materials, and fees. Students can earn credit while dipping their toes into college life and getting a jump start on a career path. The photography class can earn a student four college credits.
Summer Bridge Program Coordinator Ashley Baert said, “This year, we are offering a healthcare pathway, a welding pathway, and mass communications pathway. Along with the classes, students go on tours related to the industry that they are studying, and they participate in college and career readiness workshops here.”
This is the first year for a mass communications pathway. The program was selected because of the employment opportunities available in Rockford and the fact that there is a shortage of qualified people in this area.
Academic chair of mass communications at RVC, Jerry LaBuy, said, “Photography, in general, has always been something we wanted in mass com, but there were already two departments on campus that had photography classes. We were able to have the deans coordinate a plan and move those classes from that department to ours with a little rewrite to make them more of an intro class to the department. It’s a nice benefit for them to be able to get some college experience during the summer; it’s not as busy, and they get on campus and get into a hands-on class.”
Administrators say the photography class is a good fit for the summer program, which fills up fast. Ashley Baert states, “This is a very popular program, and students should apply sooner rather than later.”
According to school data, the program has had a steady rise in participation. This is an accelerated summer course, so students need to be prepared for a fast-paced curriculum. The term runs from June 17th to August 8th.
You can contact Ashley Baert at baert@rockvalleycollege.edu or fill out an application here at Summer Bridge Programs (rockvalleycollege.edu). Perspective students can also check with their high school counselors for more information.
