High-achieving secondary school students are invited to get a head start on their university studies at Brock this summer and fall.

The University’s Strategic Transition for Accomplished and Recognized Students (STARS) program allows Niagara high school students enrolled in less than six Grade 12 U or M courses to register concurrently in one credit at Brock University, free of charge.

For Ada Fast, who learned about the program while exploring her high school’s guidance resource website, the studies represented a chance to begin her post-secondary journey for a price that could not be beat.

“I had some extra spares and I wanted to do something productive with my time,” she said. “I knew university would be next, so if I could lessen the workload that would be helpful while also saving me a bit of money.”

Having also received one of the University’s Niagara Principal’s Scholarships, Fast said the STARS program and the first-year Biology course she took in it had her feeling confident when she began her full-time co-op studies in Mathematics and Statistics at Brock last fall.

“When I was in STARS, I was able to interact with university students, share their enthusiasm about the material and feel like I belonged here,” she said. “I knew that when I started my full-time studies at Brock, I would be ready.”

Karlee Mallett, Brock’s Manager of Academic Transitions, said the program’s summer availability is a fantastic way for top-performing local high school students to get a feel for post-secondary learning when they might have a bit of extra time on their hands.

“We hope that the flexibility that comes with our summer course offerings appeals to students and encourages them to get a jump start on their post-secondary education,” she said. “Our STARS students are valued members of the Brock community as they bring with them a variety of experiences and knowledge, and we are looking forward to welcoming them to campus this summer.”

With the deadline to apply for Summer Term courses approaching on Tuesday, May 30 and the Fall/Winter Term deadline coming shortly after on Monday, July 3, Fast hopes students will embrace the chance to get a taste of Brock through STARS.

“It is a no-brainer to take part,” she said. “You can get ahead on your Brock credits, save money and learn what university is all about.”

To learn more and to apply for the STARS program, visit the Admissions @ Brock website.

Any additional questions about STARS can be directed to Mallett at kmallett@brocku.ca