A Word About Our Students …

DEP students attend school at one of the following high schools: Aiken College and Career, Aiken University, the Hughes Center, Robert A. Taft Information Technology, Western Hills Design Tech, and Western Hills University.

Students are selected based on their GPA, teacher recommendations, attendance records, and UC placement tests. The program is designed, primarily, for high school seniors who have distinguished themselves academically.

A key objective of the DEP program is to facilitate the transition from high school to college and efforts are made to break down any existing barriers. Most students come from under-resourced urban communities, and are the first in their family to attend college. Our students and parents are excited about this opportunity and are quick to take advantage of college access opportunities including college visits, workshops and special speakers. Our students are bright, talented and enjoy the challenges of the taking one or more college-level courses.

“The college life was something I was dreading. I was nervousabout everything that nvolved that next step to further my dream of becoming a teacher. Entering the DEP program was the best thing I could have done. This course gave me a realistic look as to what college work will be like. With hard work, I know I am capable of being a successful student at UC next year.” - Amanda

“Being in the DEP has been a huge blessing. To be honest, I hate English and having to take it for four years in high school, and then a few years in college, was not something I was ready for. Then I learned of this opportunity to take two years of English – at one time! Working with Professor Peck gave me a lot of useful information on writing skills which will be very beneficial for me in my career of business. I recommend that anyone who has the opportunity, take this course - without hesitation!” - Chad

“Being involved in UC’s DEP class has helped me in both personal ways and educational ways. It has helped me become more organized and has helped me with managing time for school work and other things. I have learned many different concepts of writing a paper on a college level. Being in this class has given me a head start on college life in many ways!” - Carmilla

Continued Success …

• In 2006, 94% of the DEP students had been accepted to college – 55% to UC
• Approximately 119 DEP students are now enrolled full-time at UC
• All valedictorians from the high schools that partnered with UC in 2006 were DEP students
• At the end of Winter Quarter 2006, 57% of the DEP students who started as Freshmen in years 2002-05 were still enrolled