Preparatory One-Week IVCC College Readiness Event Empowers Students for University Life
The **Get Set** bridge-to-college transition program, taking place at Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC) from July 28 to August 1, 2025, is a week-long initiative designed to prepare new and returning students for the academic and social challenges of college life.
This free program focuses on building confidence and practical skills essential for college success, with a particular emphasis on easing the transition for recent high school graduates and adult learners returning to education.
The program, which runs from 9 AM to 1 PM each day, covers a range of college-readiness topics, including note-taking strategies, time and task management, test preparation, navigating campus technology and online platforms, finding and using campus resources, interpreting textbooks and schedule formats, and developing personalized learning strategies.
Participants will also become familiar with the physical campus, meet staff and potential peers, and are paired with a staff mentor for their first semester.
Benefits of the Get Set program include confidence building, early exposure to campus technology and support systems, a resource binder filled with resources and access to online content for ongoing support, mentorship, practical support such as snacks and some school supplies, and no cost for participants.
Interested students can find information and the application form on the IVCC website at ivcc.edu/readysetgo/. Seats are still available for the 2025 session; early application is encouraged. In-person participation is expected for the duration of the program.
Since its inception four years ago, more than 70 students have graduated from Get Set, with many citing the program as crucial to their smooth transition into college life. Tina Hardy, Get Set coordinator, said, "Building confidence and connection before school starts really helps students on Day One of classes. They have practiced technology skills, they know who their helpers are, and they know a few strategies for attacking school tasks."
Get Set is a practical, supportive bridge for students beginning their journey at IVCC, offering tools and connections to help them succeed from their very first day. Graduates of the program gain access to campus technology platforms before most students, learn about campus resources, textbook interpretation, and schedule formats, and build early connections on campus and with each other.
This week-long Get Set bridge-to-college program, held at Illinois Valley Community College from July 28 to August 1, 2025, is focused on education-and-self-development, with learning being a central part, catering to both new and returning students. The program stresses on essential learning, equipping students with practical skills required for college success, such as note-taking strategies, time management, and test preparation.
