Above: Scenes from Blue Ridge Community College, including the Summer Academy, which will provide a four-session camp experience for children ages 6-11 as part of the Summer Transition and Engagement Program (STEP).
Marketing & Communications Dept.
HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — Blue Ridge Community College is launching a new free summer program designed to help working age parents and adult learners take their first step into higher education while balancing family responsibilities.
The Summer Transition and Engagement Program (STEP) will help new students with children ages 6-11 successfully transition into their first fall semester by combining academic coursework with family-focused support. Participants will complete their first college course while attending weekly in-person sessions that include dinner, supervised children’s camp activities, and guided connections to essential campus resources. The program is designed to build confidence, readiness, and a strong support network ahead of the fall semester.
Offered to parents free of charge, STEP will be held over four weekly sessions from June 1-25, meeting from 5:30 to 8 p.m. During its inaugural offering, STEP will admit 15 students, who must express interest by March 31, 2026.
The program was developed by two Blue Ridge team members—Laura Simmons, director of enrollment management, and Crystal Bradshaw, success coach—to better support adult learners navigating work, family and education.
“The STEP program recognizes that adult learners are balancing a lot, especially when it comes to time,” said Simmons, who will also serve as the course instructor. “While we can’t add more hours to their day, we can provide the flexibility, support, and financial resources that make getting started possible. By helping remove those barriers, we’re not only opening the door to college, but also creating a pathway for families to move forward together.”
Participants will complete College Transfer Success (ACA-122), earning one college credit over four sessions while gaining a strong foundation for their academic journey. Each week, families will share a meal before parents participate in workshops focused on accessing student services, building academic and digital skills, overcoming barriers, and preparing for the fall semester. Throughout the program, participants will build connections with key campus offices, strengthen their ability to navigate college systems and develop clear academic and financial plans, entering the fall semester more confident and prepared for success.
While parents attend workshops, their children will participate in a four-session camp offered in partnership with the college’s Summer Academy, introducing them to a variety of career fields.
“For our participating children, four themed sessions provide an introduction to the kind of hands-on, career-focused learning offered through Blue Ridge’s Summer Academy,” Simmons added. “It’s an engaging way for them to explore new interests, gain exposure to potential career paths, and experience campus life in a fun and supportive environment.”
College Transfer Success is a strategic choice for a first class at Blue Ridge. The one-credit course is required for many degree and credential programs at Blue Ridge and is often one of the first classes students take. In addition to helping build a long-term vision for education, the course introduces college systems and services, including the learning management system, financial aid, the Student Success Center, and much more, while helping students build connections that support long-term success.
The program is offered at no cost to families, with funding provided through the Next NC Scholarship, the John M. Belk Endowment and a WNC Higher Education Access and Success mini-grant funded by Dogwood Health Trust. Students will complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as part of registering for the program. Tuition, meals, camp expenses, supplies, and materials are fully covered.
Students may express interest through an online form or by contacting the College’s Student Services team at 828-694-1800.
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