Paul D. Camp Community College recently held a five-day long program for incoming students to help show them what expectations colleges have to ensure their success.

The Student Development Jumpstart Program was held June 25-29 at the PDCCC Suffolk campus, and the program featured different speakers to address questions and concerns that incoming college students typically have.

“An advantage of participating in the new offering includes a head start by receiving college credit in the Student Development-College Success Skills class before the semester starts,” Dean of Student Services and Counselor Trina Jones said in a press release.

The presenters addressed a myriad of topics including transitioning to college, preparing for the workplace, applying for scholarships and program requirements.

The program also highlighted questions about transferring from a community college to a four-year university. Old Dominion University Transfer Evaluation Specialist Tamara Barnes was a guest speaker for the topic. She directed them towards resources that Old Dominion offers specifically for community college students.

“You can start investigating that now,” Barnes said in a press release. “Two years [in community college] goes by fast. Know your resources. They are your most powerful tool for your education.”

Barnes shared from her own experience of being a transfer student and a first-generation college student.

Other speakers were Ken DeLoach, State Farm Insurance, and Mario Hatchett, entrepreneur. The two spoke to the incoming college students about business practices and leadership in the community.

Student Support Services Counselor Dr. Hyler Scott was happy to provide the students with unique information from former transfer students.

“We are providing a unique perspective as transfer students ourselves, so we know all of the ins and outs involved in these processes. We can help them with information about things they may not even think to ask,” Scott said in a press release.

The program was funded by a grant, and the college hopes to continue to receive funding so they can continue to offer the program.