High school students from Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties completed a recent three-day, residential College Access Academy on JCC’s Jamestown Campus.

Made possible through a College Access Challenge Grant administered by the Higher Education Services Corporation, the academy was designed to encourage continued success in high school and develop readiness for success in college and beyond.

Chappale Burton, a Jamestown native who is a published author and motivational speaker, was the academy's featured presenter. Sessions included college life, values, strengths, and weaknesses, goal setting, motivation, self-leadership, effective communication, how to study, organization and time management, creative thinking, problem solving, conflict resolution, memory improvement, concentration and focus, asking better questions, test-taking skills, professors as resources, and the importance of relationships.

The students' experience was enhanced with activities focusing on career exploration and college essay writing, as well as personal stories from academy advisors about overcoming obstacles.

A similar academy is being planned for next summer.