The ASPIRE program offers admission consideration to students who demonstrate the potential to be successful students, but who may require specialized and structured academic support services. The program is for Pennsylvania residents who are freshmen applicants and plan to begin their studies in the fall semester of any given academic year.
Consideration for admission to the Berks ASPIRE includes, but is not limited to, the following academic and financial requirements:
- Must be a resident of Pennsylvania
- Must meet low-income guidelines established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and verified by Penn State
- Must be a student with academic potential who does not meet regular academic admission criteria for the Berks Campus
- Successful completion of an interview with the ASPIRE coordinator
Program Features and Services
The program familiarizes students with the campus and community resources. It offers specialized programming to address the educational, social, cultural and personal needs of students and includes an intense tracking system of the student's academic progress. Students are held accountable and rewarded through a quality educational experience.
The First Semester
ASPIRE students in the first semester enroll in a student success course (2.0 credit course). The course is designed to help entering students in their transition from high school to college. The course will help new students gain control over their college experience by developing effective educational strategies, greater self awareness, and skills built upon accurate knowledge of the university’s programs, policies and services.
Academic Progress
The ASPIRE Coordinator keeps in contact with each student’s professors to monitor the students’ academic progress, provide strategies for academic success, and facilitate increased communication with their professors.
Dedicated Campus Resource Professional
The ASPIRE Coordinator works solely with the ASPIRE students to provide them with support and assistance throughout their college career. The ASPIRE coordinator provides the following:
- Individual Academic Support
- Tutoring
- Writing Feedback
- Assistance with Navigating Campus Services
- Help with Anything Else Students Might Need
Programming
ASPIRE activities are to include, but not limited to:
- Teambuilding Exercises
- Social/Cultural Events
- Academic Workshops
- Community Service
- Educationally Enhanced Fieldtrips
Fall 2010 Activities
- Be Apart From The Start
- Trip to NYC and Broadway Show
- Laser Tag
- Corn Maze Trip
- Honor Roll Dinner
Interested in the ASPIRE Program?
- Please complete a Financial Information Form and submit it with your application.
- If you have questions about the ASPIRE program or need assistance with the any part of the application process, please contact the ASPIRE Coordinator.
Questions regarding ASPIRE
Please direct questions to the ASPIRE Coordinator:
Shaena Moody
(610) 396-6074
spm11@psu.edu
More ASPIRE Program Information:
ASPIRE Honor Roll and Dean's List Students
Information on Scholaships and Financial Aid for ASPIRE Students
Future and First-Year Students
Penn State Berks Coordinator
Shaena Moody
Perkins 6
610-396-6074 (phone)
610-396-6316 (fax)
spm11@psu.edu