Philadelphia high school students embrace challenge, growth at iCAMP’s dual enrollment program
Last week, Philadelphia School District High School students had the opportunity to participate in the debut of the iCamp dual enrollment program at West Chester University. They had a chance to engage in an academic experience that left many students reflecting on their work habits.
Amidst a rigorous schedule, tight submission timeframe, and extracurricular activities, campers questioned if they were given enough time to complete the assignments or if they were overworking themselves.
Meanwhile, the iCamp dual enrollment program at West Chester University, designed to engage students in an immersive college experience while providing a balanced schedule, effortless workload, and ample time for assignment completion, stood as a guiding principle for their imaginations. As the week concluded, the critical question stood: Did the iCamp dual enrollment program at West Chester University truly meet the camper’s expectations, and how did students manage their demanding routines?
Deonna Brown, Amina Webb, and De’Yonnah Hillian, participants in the West Chester University iCamp dual enrollment experience, voiced the disparity between their initial expectations and the actual outcome of the week became evident. According to the iCamp Academy’s website, “participants receive college credit and join the iCamp Media Academy … Learn new skills and make new friends as you work on challenging and fun projects with Philly-based social justice leaders and media artists.”
Based on the websites publishing information regarding the program, many students entered the program with a mix of anticipation and curiosity, envisioning a week filled with hands-on learning and the opportunity to delve deeply into new or different social justice issues.
These students hoped to gain practical skills and insights, helping bridge the gap between high school and college-level coursework. However, as the week progressed, their experiences changed versus their expectations. While the dual enrollment program did offer valuable learning opportunities, the intensity and pace of the coursework were more demanding than the campers had anticipated. This rigorous environment challenged the campers, forcing them to adapt quickly, pushing them beyond their comfort zones, and highlighting areas for educational and intellectual growth.
Despite the unexpected challenges, the campers reflected positively on their experience, acknowledging that the dual enrollment program fostered resilience and provided a realistic preview of the demands of college education. Their initial expectations may not have aligned perfectly with reality. But the result was an enriching experience that equipped them with newfound skills and a deeper understanding of their capabilities and potential when preparing for college.
This journey of adaptation and resilience allowed campers to navigate challenges and build resilience, which are crucial for future academic and personal success. Through hands-on projects, collaborative learning, and exposure to diverse perspectives, they gained practical knowledge and more profound insight into the college lifestyle, as many campers are upcoming seniors. Additionally, they forged meaningful connections with other campers and counselors who provided guidance and support. Ultimately, this transformative experience not only prepared them for college but also instilled a sense of confidence and determination to pursue their goals with renewed vigor and enthusiasm.
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