In partnership with Roosevelt University – Chicago, EDGE Learning and Wellness is thrilled to offer Pathways to College, an 8-week intensive summer program designed to help students who are preparing to transition into higher education or who are curious if a college path will be the right fit for them. 

Kicking off June 20, 2022, Pathways to College will bring students to the heart of Chicago and deliver a carefully designed experience that will guide students through their first college course, PSYCH 203 – Stress, Coping, and Mindfulness. This Roosevelt University course is the perfect bridge for students, providing a college-level academic experience, while also supplying students with the mental health management skills needed to succeed in higher education. Students will earn college credit and have a chance to navigate through the new student orientation experience at Roosevelt. This means students will learn how to utilize university resources like the academic library and digital scholarly journals, get a Roosevelt student ID created, and even practice requesting transfer credits once their time at Roosevelt is complete.

In addition to preparing students for college-level academics, Pathways to College is also preparing students for college-level life. Brittany Tolar, the Program Director over at EDGE, explained that Pathways to College is specifically designed for students to integrate into a learning community and develop “habituation around skills related to executive functioning, mindfulness, independent living, and academic preparation.” Students will also have specialized weekly workshops on specific topics such as career exploration, nutrition and fitness, and social skill development through interactive exercises with EDGE coaches. 

Tolar emphasized the importance of creating a strong community for the students. “We know social connection is a significant protective factor for many mental health challenges. To that end, we’re kicking off the first week with a meal in Millennium Park together. We want students to engage socially right away and see Chicago’s famous sites, so they can spend the rest of the summer exploring everything else the city has to offer.” Tolar encourages anyone interested to reach out and see if the program is right for them, but especially noted that Pathways to College is the perfect fit for students who are “collegebound or college curious– but have some anxiety around academics, social support systems, and independent living.”

EDGE is currently accepting applications for their Pathways to College summer program and can be reached through their website at edgelearningcommunity.com/pathways

About EDGE Learning and Wellness

EDGE Learning and Wellness is an accredited transitional living program located in Chicago, IL. EDGE offers therapeutically supported residential and non-residential options for post-treatment young adults. The participants, ages 18 -24, are striving to excel academically while creating a life of balance, joy, and wellness.