Academic Session

The Academic Session is a school year program spanning 24 weeks, from September to April. During this time, students meet once a week on Monday evenings at Lyon College. APPLE Project students are brought by bus or van to the college at the end of their school day. They eat dinner in the dining hall and then participate in three hours of activities. Students are paid a small weekly stipend for participation in these weekly sessions. Each weekly session consists of an academic period, a peer mentoring period, and an enrichment period.

During the academic period, students meet with tutors and work to improve their reading, writing, math, history, foreign language, and science skills. Students have access to the College's computing network and to the Mabee-Simpson Library to help them with their high school assignments.

During the peer mentoring period, the students are assigned to small peer groups where, through discussion, activities, and various readings or films, they study personal development, explore career opportunities, develop leadership and goal-setting techniques, and grow in self-awareness and self-confidence.

Finally, the enrichment period allows students to take advantage of various cultural exhibits, performances, and lectures on the Lyon College campus. Presentations during these sessions cover a broad range of topics and interests.

In addition to the small group sessions, individual academic advising is provided to every participant by the Assistant Director/Academic Coordinator, and individual mentoring is provided by the Peer Mentoring Coordinator. Senior students also receive individual assistance with their college planning for admissions and financial aid.