Preparatory Enrollment Program

Mission Statement

The Preparatory Enrollment Program's mission is to admit, retain and graduate a select number of low income, first generation students who are in need of academic support. The Program is an integral part of the total educational environment of the College.

The Preparatory Enrollment Program provides opportunities for academic development, assists RI residents who are first generation, low income individuals with basic Rhode Island College requirements while serving to motivate students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education. The goal is to increase college retention and graduation rates.

History

The Preparatory Enrollment Program (PEP) is a program that has over 40 years of history on the Rhode Island College campus of encouraging and supporting students from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds in their pursuit of a Rhode Island College education.

The purpose of PEP is to aid, assist, and support:

• Students who are the first in their family to graduate from a four year college
• Students whose family income is considered low based on federal poverty guidelines
• Students who have a documented disability or
• Students who can benefit from academic support

• Who is eligible for PEP?
• How does PEP prepare students for RIC?
• What about the costs of PEP and Rhode Island College?
• How do I Apply to PEP?
• What is the Competitive PEP selection process?
• Notice of Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination

Who is eligible for PEP?

The following criteria must be met and application completed:

• A Rhode Island high school senior, recent graduate, or GED recipient (with no previous college experience)
• Considered low-income based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines
• Will potentially be a first generation graduate from a four-year college or university
• Neither parent/guardian has previously graduated from a four-year college or university
• A Student who needs and would benefit from academic support or
• A student with a documented disability

Back to top

How does PEP prepare students for RIC?

PEP consists of two academic components designed to fully prepare students for the college-level work that they will face when enrolled at Rhode Island College.

Component One: Spring Session: five sessions held over a six week period
Component Two: Summer Session: six weeks of intense academic study

You will:

• Attend a mandatory PEP Student & Parent Orientation
• Live on campus
• Attend and do well in college-level courses such as: Math, Writing, Sociology, Africana Studies, Gender and Women's Studies, etc.
• Students will benefit from small classes, residential tutors, and group study sessions
• All students receive one-on-one and group counseling/academic suppport
• Participate in diverse array of activities and attend events such as plays, concerts, museum visits, and boat tours

Successful completion of the Spring and Summer Components (as well as meeting all important deadlines) along with a positive recommendation from the PEP staff enables participants to enroll as full-time matriculated students.

Back to top

What about the costs of PEP and Rhode Island College?

The Spring and Summer Components of the program are both fully paid for by the PEP program through financial aid upon successful completion of both Components. Students are considered for the best possible financial aid package to which they and their families are eligible. Whenever possible, 100% of the student's need during the first year will be met with grant aid instead of loans. Aid is determined by the FAFSA formula, Rhode Island College, and PEP, based upon family/student income. Students will only be considered for the PEP grant if and when the Rhode Island College financial aid application is completed and received by the college deadline of March 1st.

Back to top

How do I Apply to PEP?

Applying to the Preparatory Enrollment Program takes effort and genuine interest. It is up to each student to meet our application requirements. Applications can only be evaluated if all of the requested information is provided. If you are interested in applying, please call the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at Rhode Island College, (401) 456-8234 or call the Preparatory Enrollment Program office at (401) 456-8237. You will be provided with a checklist of required application materials and a calendar of important dates. Please feel free to call us with any questions or concerns.

Back to top

What is the Competitive PEP selection process?

High school transcripts, GED records, SAT scores, college admittance essays, references and Rhode Island College's Math and Writing placement scores are all examined in the application process.

The entire application package must be completed by February 1st and include the following:

• Rhode Island College Common Application: due on or before February 1st
• Three letters of recommendation (with one being from a guidance counselor)
• SAT scores
• FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): due on or before March 1st
• Rhode Island College financial aid application: due on or before March 1st
• Applicants may be invited for an interview

You must complete every step in the application process in order to be considered for the program.

Back to top

Notice of Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination

Rhode Island College is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action. No student, employee, or applicant will be denied admission, employment, or access to programs and activities because of race, sex, religion, age, color, national origin, handicap, sexual orientation, conviction record, or Vietnam era veteran status. This college policy is in concert with state and federal nondiscrimination laws. Inquiries concerning the College's administration of the nondiscrimination laws should be addressed to the College Affirmative Action Officer.

Back to top