Preparing Students For College Success

College can be an overwhelming experience for a first year student. Learning to deal with common issues such as time management, financial strain, and stress can feel impossible. Leeward Community College Wai`anae (LCCW) welcomes approximately 200 freshman students each year. Transitioning to college is an uphill climb for many of them. According to a report done by the University of Hawaii Center on the Family:

• Wai`anae coast high schools are the lowest performing in the state.
• Wai`anae residents have the lowest median income in the state.
• Wai`anae is home to the lowest population of college graduates.

A persistence and graduation study done on a cohort at Leeward Community College Wai`anae (LCCW) between 2009-2011 found that 52% of students continued on after their first year and only 12% graduated. In 2013, LCCW offered its first college strategies course called Learning Skills 110 (LSK 110) to assist first year students in developing the skills necessary to succeed in general college courses. LSK 110 is a required course for students who are enrolled in a developmental English course and in Leeward Community College Waianae’s academic programs (Access to Education and Going to Finish On Time).

The purpose of this research project is to develop an online version of the LSK 110 course for Access to Education (ATE) students. ATE is a program that helps non-traditional students who were previously incarcerated or have substance abuse issues transition to higher education. The online course will focus on empowering students to use technology to build knowledge and empower the Wai`anae community.