A+ Summer Program Helps High School Students Improve Academic Achievement.

BERKELEY, Calif. -- Education Unlimited announces A+ Summer, a new summer program designed to increase high school students' proficiency in the logic, critical thinking, and writing skills that are essential for success in college and in high school.

"Despite the tremendous focus on 'getting in' to prestigious colleges, a large number of high school students, even those who earn mostly As and Bs, are not being adequately prepared to excel in college. Once they arrive at college, many intelligent students perform at lower levels than their abilities predict and often choose easier majors and courses than they could have if they were better prepared in college-level academic skills. Our A+ Summer programs help students master advanced critical reading, writing, and thinking techniques, and conduct their own original research in a supportive, low-risk environment," says Matthew Fraser, Executive Director of Education Unlimited.

The A+ Summer program debuts at Stanford University this August, with two sessions: the College Achievement Program for rising 11th and 12th graders (August 13-24, $2,650) and the High School Achievement Program for rising 9th and 10th graders (August 13-22, $1,645). Program costs include room, board, and tuition. A GPA of at least 3.0 is required for acceptance to the program. Need-based financial aid is offered.

Jenny Herbert, Curriculum Director for Education Unlimited, believes A+ Summer offers a unique learning opportunity for high school students. "Curriculum that prepares students to pass tests or get into certain colleges is not sufficient to empower students to ultimately succeed in college, because such coursework emphasizes results instead of the learning process," she explains. "A+ Summer offers advanced students a fun and challenging environment that will allow them to explore their own capacity for original and independent thinking."

Fraser adds, "The national Governors' conference on high school education held last weekend spotlighted the fact that we are not providing deep enough preparation for our high school students to succeed up to their potential. It is actually an understatement to say that if America doesn't do a better job of preparing our youth, our collective future will be impacted severely. Education Unlimited's A+ Summer program can play a large role in turning this situation around for many students."