Pre-College Programs

MCAS Academy
At BCC, MCAS means My Choice for Academic Success. The MCAS Academy provides intensive
one-to-one and small group instruction in Mathematics and English Language Arts for individuals who haven’t yet passed the MCAS exams. In addition, the MCAS Academy offers assistance with the college transition process and a free credit course in career exploration and development. Instruction is offered at the Fall River Campus in a convenient evening schedule year-round. MCAS Academy students have the opportunity to take the Ability to Benefit test and those who complete the program receive a voucher for a free college course. Many MCAS Academy graduates are now attending BCC. For more information, contact the MCAS Academy at x2779.

The Bristol Tech Prep program coordinates the last two years of high school study with career and technical programs at BCC. High school students in Tech Prep may participate in various Career Days as well as competitions in Web Design and Computer Programming at BCC. Tech Prep students are eligible to participate in project-based learning at high-tech companies throughout the area. Students may take selected courses at BCC on a space-available basis at no cost, and earn guaranteed acceptance to approved BCC programs. Certain high school classes entitle Tech Prep students to be awarded college credits upon enrollment at BCC. Participating in the Tech Prep program in high school also better prepares students for study at other colleges. For more information, call Ted Boudria at x2339.

The Transition Program
The Transition Program provides support services and credit course work to students making the transition from GED and Adult Learning Center programs to college work at BCC. Students become part of a learning community and attend orientation, workshops, and classes as a group. The program includes supplemental instruction and a high level of support. For more information, contact Diane Desmarais at (508) 678-2811, ext. 2360.

Pre College TRiO Programs

Educational Talent Search
The Educational Talent Search Program serves more than 600 students in Fall River middle and high schools, including Durfee High School, Diman Regional Vocational Technical School, and Henry Lord, Kuss, Morton and Talbot Middle Schools. Students are prepared for successful college careers with academic year services in the schools, and at the College. Workshops and presentations on college awareness, financial aid and scholarship availability, career exploration and college entrance test preparation are provided at least monthly to all students, as well as regular field trips to area colleges and cultural events. Qualified students who are the first generation in their families to plan to go on to higher education or are from low-income households and attending one of the target schools, can apply by contacting their school guidance offices or the program directly. For more information, please contact Sarah Morrell, Director, at (508) 678-2811 x2324.

Upward Bound
The Upward Bound Program is a national TRiO program annually serving 66 public high school students from Attleboro, Fall River, and Taunton. Year-round intensive academic services are provided to help eligible first-generation, low-income youth prepare for successful college entrance and persistence. The program includes a six-week summer residential academy, monthly Saturday classes at BCC, and weekly tutorials that include academic instruction, one-on-one tutoring, study skills, MCAS, SAT, and other college entrance test preparation workshops. Students also participate in field trips to museums, theatre and cultural events, college tours, leadership training, and volunteer service activities. More than 90 percent of Upward Bound participants have gone on to higher education. For further information, call Sarah Morrell at (508) 678-2811 x2324.