Summer Programs

When you start college, you’re taking a big leap.

That's why we offer the TRIO Mentoring Program and the on-campus Summer Transition Program (STP) to first-year TRIO students.

TRIO Mentoring Program

The summer between high school and college can be both scary and exciting. Although you may be looking forward to starting college, you probably have lots of questions about the journey ahead of you. You may wonder how you will pay your bill, choose classes, and make friends on campus. Maybe you wonder what you’ll need to bring for your room and how much homework you’ll really have.

That’s where our TRIO Mentoring program comes in. In this program, we’ll match you with an upper-class TRIO student. Through e-mail, text, or Facebook Messenger, your mentor will check in with you 3-4 times a week and remind you about important deadlines. You can also ask your mentor about college life – no question is too big or too small. Our mentors have all been in your shoes, and they can’t wait to help you get started on your Castleton journey.

If you’d like to be matched with a TRIO Mentor or have questions about the program, please e-mail kelley.beckwith@castleton.edu. Space is limited, so enroll today! 

Summer Transition Program

Summer Transition Program (STP) is a five-day program that runs the week before first-year orientation every August. The 2018 Summer Transition Program will take place Sunday, August 19 to Thursday, August 23. During the week, you will live on campus with other students and upper-class students who will serve as mentors. You'll participate in workshops, projects, and experiential activities about learning styles, time management, test taking, and paying for college. We'll acquaint you with the ins and outs of campus life and discuss how you can succeed in college.

Oh, and did we mention STP is fun? Past STP groups have attended plays, watched movies, tried rock-climbing, and hiked Vermont's beautiful mountains, all while making new friends. By the time first-year orientation is underway, you'll be a part of the team - and feel much more at home at Castleton. 

Best of all the Summer Transition Program is free to all students accepted into the program. It includes housing, meals, and all workshops and activities, and it’s open to residential and commuter students. Applications are available in May and are due by July 1. Apply Today!

Are you playing a fall sport?          

Good for you! However, your practice and training schedule will conflict with STP, so you will not be able to participate in the program. But don’t worry: your time with your team will give you the same jump-start on college life, and you can always meet with us during the semester to discuss everything we cover during STP.

STP Application Information  

The Summer Transition Program admits thirty first-year students selected according to U.S. Department of Education TRIO grant guidelines.

Applications are due July 1, 2018. Preference for STP admission will be given to students who meet two of the three following criteria:

• Neither parent has a four-year degree, OR
• Your family has a low to modest income (according to TRIO guidelines), OR
• You have a documented disability according to the Americans with Disabilities Act

TRIO Grant Application Information

To earn the $1000 Spring 2019 TRIO Grant, all criteria below must be met: 

• Receipt of Federal Pell grant in Fall 2018
• Successful completion of STP
• Regular meetings with ASC staff during the 2018-19 year
• Fall 2018 GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Unmet financial need or loans
• Completion of Financial Literacy 101 online course
• Grant application due in October 2018;

TRIO Grants will be awarded in February 2019.

Apply to participate in the 2018 Summer Transition Program today!