LEAPing Into College: High School Students Add TCC to Their Summer Plans
Since the summer of 2021, the Tidewater Community College LEAP program has been helping high school students get a head start in transitioning to college life. While setting students up for success, the program also absorbs first semester college costs, allowing students to take 3 to 12 credits at TCC at no cost to them.
Kimberly Flores-Aguilar is a graduating senior at Manor High School in Portsmouth. She graduated from TCC this May through our dual enrollment program with her associate degree in science before obtaining her high school diploma. She’ll be back at TCC this summer to earn 12 more credits through LEAP before transferring to the University of Virginia this fall to study biology. Her long-term goal is to go to medical school and become an anesthesiologist.
“I’m so hungry and eager to be able to take as many credits as possible,” said Flores-Aguilar, who tells us she took AP biology her sophomore year and became fascinated with healthcare and anatomy. “Getting a head start at TCC helped me grow as a student and an individual.”
TCC assigns outreach advisors to all area public schools in our service region to educate high schoolers and their school counselors about the opportunities available to advance their knowledge and skills at TCC. This can help bridge the gap for students who may not know where they’d like to attend college.
After experiencing life as a TCC student, many LEAP program participants choose to continue their college education at TCC in the fall.
Who qualifies? Recent high school and GED graduates (January through June 2024) with no college experience.
What does it pay for? LEAP pays for in-state tuition and fees only. Eligible students who are classified as out-of-state will be awarded in-state funds only and will owe the remaining balance.
All students will receive up to $500 for textbooks and supplies at the TCC Barnes and Noble campus bookstores for the summer semester. Scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Submission of the LEAP application does not guarantee funds will be awarded.
HOW DO I APPLY?
- Submit TCC’s free application for admission
- Complete the steps to enroll
- Register for summer classes
- Submit the LEAP application