News Stars Program Awards Students Up To 600 Per Year - Garrett College
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Campus News

July 31, 2018

STARS program awards students up to $600 per year

All new, full-time students are encouraged to apply to GC's program

Garrett College is offering all first-time, freshman students enrolled in 12 or more credits during the fall semester the opportunity to participate in the STARS (Striving Together and Reaching Success) Program. Students who successfully complete the program can earn as much as a $300 book stipend for the spring 2019 semester.

If a student successfully completes the program for the fall semester he or she is eligible to participate again in the spring 2019 semester and earn another $300 book stipend.

Mike Nedrow, academic success advisor at Garrett College, explained that the STARS Program is designed to help students adjust to and excel in their first year of college.

"This program is truly designed to meet the needs of students who are first-time college students," said Nedrow. "Students who successfully complete the program not only earn a stipend which can be used to purchase books and other academic supplies, they also participate in on-campus activities and workshops that can help make them more successful students."

Natalie Manges, a Northern Garrett High School graduate who participated in the program last year, said she found STARS to be very helpful as a new college student.

"I think that the STARS program is a wonderful way for students to get involved," said Manges. "When you finish STARS you not only leave with scholarship money for books, but you also leave with more knowledge about Garrett College and its helpful resources. I truly would encourage everyone to participate in this program."

Nedrow emphasized the program's practical value for new college students.

"Students can expect to learn how to sharpen study skills, access Garrett's academic support services, explore career possibilities, plan for future coursework, plan for transfer, and become involved in on-campus activities," said Nedrow. This is the second academic year that Garrett has offered new, full-time students the opportunity to be involved in the STARS Program. This will be Nedrow's first year coordinating this program.

"I am very excited to be working so closely with students this fall who are participating in this program," said Nedrow. "We did a focus group in April that provided a lot of helpful feedback from last year's participants on ways to improve the program to better meet our student's needs. We are currently planning all of the great activities and workshops for our students for the fall semester."

Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College's president, said the program illustrates the college's commitment to student success.

"STARS is all about providing students with the tools to achieve their goals," said Midcap. "The fact that successful participants also earn book stipends is kind of the icing on the cake."

Upon meeting the academic criteria, all STARS applicants will attend a meeting at the beginning of the fall semester to go over the program requirements.

For more information about the STARS Program contact Mike Nedrow at 301-387-3076 or mike.nedrow@garrettcollege.edu.