Summer Programs
When you start at Castleton, you’re taking a big leap.
That's why we offer the TRIO Mentoring Program and the on-campus Summer Transition Program (STP) to TRIO students entering their first semester at Castleton.
More information about our Summer 2021 programs is forthcoming. Watch this page!
TRIO Mentoring Program
The summer before college can be both scary and exciting. Although you may be looking forward to starting at Castleton, 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. You may wonder how Castleton compares with other colleges where you have taken classes.
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 jennifer.jones@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 2020 Summer Transition Program will take place during the week before the beginning of the fall semester. Specific dates will be posted once the Castleton University fall academic calendar has been determined. 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 various topics, including learning styles, time management, research papers, 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.
Are you playing a fall sport?
Good for you! However, your practice and training schedule may conflict with STP, so you may 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. You might also consider signing up for the TRIO Mentoring Program, which won't conflict with your sport.
STP Application Information
The Summer Transition Program admits first-year students selected according to U.S. Department of Education TRIO grant guidelines.
Applications are due July 17, 2020. 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 2021 TRIO Grant, all criteria below must be met:
- Receipt of Federal Pell grant in Fall 2020
- Successful completion of STP
- Regular meetings with ASC staff during the 2020-21 year
- Fall 2020 GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Unmet financial need or loans
- Completion of Financial Literacy 101 online course
- Grant application due in October 2020;
TRIO Grants will be awarded in February 2021.
More information about our Summer 2021 Programs is forthcoming. Watch this page!
The Summer Transition Program has definitely helped me grow into the college student I am today. I remember how hard it was for me to have my parents leave, but with the Summer Transition Program you are given the push forward you need and end up running through your first semester. This program sets you up for success if you are willing to let everyone help you.