The College Opportunity Program provides middle and high school youth and their parents/guardians campus experiences designed to increase their knowledge of college. Participants attend Saturday conferences on the campus of UNCW during the fall and spring semesters. The various components of the program involve university, school, parental, and community participation. UNCW students, Seahawk Specialists, serve as hosts throughout the day and field questions from both students and parents about their high school and college experiences. The program serves students from Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, New Hanover, Pender, Onslow and Sampson counties.
Parents/guardians of nominees must agree that they and their child(ren) will be active participants if selected. Throughout the year-long program, students and parents/guardians have the opportunity to attend sessions on the topics of:
- College career exploration and planning
- Financing college
- Minimum course requirements for college admission (MCR)
- Effective study habits
- Standardized tests including the SAT and ACT
- Developing leadership skills
- Positive attitude and self-esteem enhancement
- Civic responsibility
- Effective verbal and nonverbal communication
- Conflict resolution skills dealing with difficult scenarios and situations
- The value of volunteer service to schools and communities
