For the first time since 2019, rising ninth graders across Florence County came together to participate in The Activate Academy at Francis Marion University.
Sponsored by FMU and its Center of Excellence for College and Career Readiness, Activate Academy is a three-day learning experience designed to educate and prepare students for high school, college, and careers beyond college. Nominated by their guidance counselors, the students were exposed to strategies for success in high school and college, and different career paths and industries.
“The middle school to high school transition can be a very difficult one as the school itself is often much larger, grades begin to count towards the overall high school GPA, and students are expected to be more self-motivated and responsible,” said Dr. Meredith Love, Co-director of the Center of Excellence for College and Career Readiness. “We hope that the students who attend Activate are given tools to help them develop a mindset that will carry them through this transition and into a successful high school career.”
The students were lodged in FMU residence halls and worked with teachers from local school districts, as well as Francis Marion faculty. They are encouraged to set goals and work toward achieving them, participating in workshops and other activities to help build confidence.
