MEDIA ADVISORY – On Thursday, Aug. 8, College of Western Idaho (CWI) celebrated the success of 14 incoming freshman students who successfully completed a five-week pilot program designed to increase their readiness for college. The first-time program, named Reboot Camp, helped students improve COMPASS placement test scores for math and English through a rigorous study regiment split daily between coursework, class time, and tutoring sessions. Students focused on math, English, computer applications, study skills, and familiarization with CWI student resources.
“I really enjoyed the Reboot program,” student John Kus said at a celebration ceremony. “It has given me the resources needed to feel like I have a good foundation to get started in college. I think that really matters and this [program] has given me that.”
Each participant completed the COMPASS placement test before starting the Reboot Camp. Upon completion of the program, the students re-took the test for a chance to improve their scores and advance their academic standing for the fall semester. The group experienced a great deal of success as 10-of-14 students increased their math score and 6-of-14 students achieved higher scores in English. As a result, six students are starting this fall in a higher math placement and three students are in a higher English class.
“We are very pleased with the outcomes,” Sam Galan, Reboot Camp co-coordinator said. “We had several students score into the next level of math or English, which is tremendous. But even more important, I believe, are the college readiness skills that they now have that will give them even greater confidence as they start college.”
Students in the Reboot Camp were required to meet one of three eligibility criteria; have COMPASS scores placing them in math015 and/or English015, completed an Adult Basic Education (ABE) program, or be registered in a Professional Technical Education (PTE) program. The program was free for the students who qualified to participate and was made possible thanks to funding from the C3T grant, which provides funding for the Idaho Ladders to Success Project promoting student retention and completion. Students who finished the five-week program are also eligible to receive a $500 scholarship that can be used towards their tuition and fees at CWI.
For more information on the Reboot Program please contact Sam Galan at samgalan@cwi.edu.