November 20, 2024
High school students are getting earlier exposure to all Laurel Ridge has to offer through the college’s Freshman Focus program. What started as a pilot program in three high schools, has since expanded to all 16 public high schools in Laurel Ridge’s service region.
Freshman Focus consists of three main components: early engagement, which includes visiting students in their schools to introduce them to the college’s program pathways and simplify college processes; comprehensive enrollment steps, such as actioning early enrollment for students in their preferred schedules, applying for financial aid and scholarships, and bringing a team of campus staff to their high school for an exciting new student orientation event– all before graduating from high school; and interdepartmental collaboration among the college’s student services units, outreach, advising, enrollment services, financial aid and early college offices, as well as with high school career coaches.
“We reached a significant milestone in spring 2024 when Workforce Solutions programs were brought into the Freshman Focus initiative,” said outreach coordinator Michelle Cribbs. “This ensures that we present comprehensive options of all college programs to our students. Students who are interested in vocational programs, such as welding, are included and receive support from our FastForward coach, Lisa Heiser.”
She added that Freshman Focus follows high schoolers’ academic calendars. In September and October, career coaches meet with high school seniors to introduce them to the benefits of Laurel Ridge and the Freshman Focus program. Between November and March, college campus staff visit the high schools for short workshop-style sessions to support small groups as they complete the Laurel Ridge application and financial forms, and to answer questions about programs to ensure students are able to make informed decisions.
Registration for Freshman Focus begins in mid-December. Each high school will host their Freshman Focus event between March and April.
“Once their high school graduation arrives, they can celebrate knowing their classes are in place,” said Cribbs. “We host orientation events at both the local high schools and on our campuses. We provide a comprehensive presentation to support a successful college start, give out Laurel Ridge merch and schedule follow-up meetings with advisers to finalize class choices. We welcome homeschool and private school graduating seniors to attend our campus events.”
In spring 2024 alone, Laurel Ridge hosted 22 Freshman Focus events.
Freshman Focus has had a positive impact when it comes to attracting more students to Laurel Ridge.
“The program has shown success in early enrollment numbers, increasing from 425 students in its first year, to 550 students last year,” said Cribbs. “This early enrollment allows for better planning and allocation of resources, including adjusting the number of seats and classes available based on anticipated needs. The enrollment data also shows that students who participate stay enrolled in more academic credits, which supports faster degree completion.
“Overall, Freshman Focus has fostered greater engagement, better preparation, and enhanced collaboration among various educational stakeholders, promising continued growth and success for the future. The program helps students feel integrated and gives them a head start in their college journey.”
Learn more about Freshman Focus at https://laurelridge.edu/be-a-part-of-the-freshman-focus-at-laurel-ridge/.
Founded in 1970, Laurel Ridge Community College is a multi-campus public institution of higher education. With three locations — Middletown, Warrenton, and Luray-Page County — the College serves eight localities in the Shenandoah Valley and northern Piedmont regions. The localities are the counties of Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah and Warren and the city of Winchester. Laurel Ridge offers more than 75 associate degree and certificate programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Laurel Ridge also serves the business community by offering workforce preparation programs for employees and employers. Laurel Ridge serves more than 9,000 unduplicated credit students and more than 11,000 individuals in professional development and business and industry courses annually.
Laurel Ridge Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Laurel Ridge Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Laurel Ridge Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Laurel Ridge Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. Laurel Ridge shall promote and maintain equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age (except when age is a bona fide occupational qualification), status as a veteran, national origin, or other non-merit factors. Laurel Ridge also prohibits sexual misconduct including sexual violence or harassment. Inquiries may be directed to the Associate Vice President, Human Resources, [email protected], 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA 22645, 540-868-7226.
Laurel Ridge Community College was known as Lord Fairfax Community College until June 2022. For consistency purposes, the college will be referenced as Laurel Ridge going forward.