Academics

Greater Allegheny hosts summer program designed for first-year students

Students in the PaSSS Program (Pathways to Success: Summer Start) at Penn State Greater Allegheny. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

MCKEESPORT, Pa. — This summer, Penn State Greater Allegheny will join 15 other Penn State campuses across the Commonwealth and host "Pathways to Success: Summer Start" (PaSSS). This six-week program is designed to help first-year students transition to college life, while providing scholarships to help defray the cost of summer tuition.

The program launched in 2015 as part of a larger effort University President Eric Barron introduced to promote access and affordability. 

Enrolled students will be involved in an array of activities, including on-campus work experiences (employment), trips to downtown Pittsburgh, and two summer courses. These courses focus on chemistry and literature, and civic and community engagement. Both are designed to teach key components and foundations to help students succeed in college. 

PaSSS is more than just a summer program; it is a jump start on building a strong foundation to succeed both professionally and personally after high school. 

"I am excited to welcome this group of students to Greater Allegheny as they begin their college experience,” said April Belback, director of advising and Division of Undergraduate Studies coordinator. “We have designed a program that will help our students grow as future leaders on our campus and I cannot wait to see each one of them flourish."

Students arrived on campus Wednesday, June 20, for orientation. The PaSSS Program runs from June 27 through Aug. 8, with final exams on Aug. 10. 

For more information on PaSSS visit www.greaterallegheny.psu.edu/passs or contact the admissions office at 412-675-9010. 

Last Updated June 27, 2018