High School Students Attend BASE at UC Blue Ash

Approximately 30 rising high school juniors and seniors are spending three weeks this summer getting up early, taking tests, and learning more about what it takes to succeed in college.

The students are attending the Bearcat Academy Summer Experience (BASE), a college-readiness program that is being hosted by UC Blue Ash College and GRAD Cincinnati from June 9-27. It is being held on the UC Blue Ash campus from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The students are from Robert A. Taft IT and Western Hills University High Schools. To qualify, they must have a grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher, a letter of recommendation from a teacher or school official, and they have to successfully complete an interview process that ensures they are serious about attending college.

The agenda and materials created for this program make it the most comprehensive college-preparedness summer program that GRAD Cincinnati has offered. The topics include career exploration, placement testing, math and writing workshops, financial aid, and scholarships. Participants also have the chance to talk with college students, professors, and advisors to get a real sense of what college is like.

“The BASE program pretty much covers everything that our college readiness coordinators do during the year,” said Patricia Stewart-Adams, executive director of GRAD Cincinnati. “Having it on the UC Blue Ash campus really brings things into perspective for the students.”

UC Blue Ash faculty and administrators have developed much of the content for BASE and will lead the students through the program. “We want the students to be excited about going to college, so we have planned a program that guides them to discover their interests, know their strengths, and plan the steps needed to reach their goals,” said Marlene Miner, associate dean of academics at UC Blue Ash.

Along with a tour of the UC Blue Ash campus, students will also take a trip to the UC campus in Clifton as part of the BASE program. Breakfast and lunch will be provided each day.

GRAD Cincinnati is a local nonprofit with the mission to raise expectation and achievement for all students by building high impact partnerships within the community to provide a premiere college readiness, access and support program. GRAD’s vision is that all students graduate from high school and are prepared to succeed in college and career. GRAD Cincinnati is a United Way Agency partner that provides programs to students in seven Cincinnati Public Schools. The organization is the lead agency for Western Hills University High School and Robert A. Taft Information Technology High School community learning centers. Please find more information at www.gradcincinnati.org.


UC Blue Ash College is a regional college within the University of Cincinnati. It offers one of the best values in higher education with access to a nationally recognized UC education in nearly 50 degrees and certificates, as well as tuition that is about half of most colleges and universities. The college is located on a scenic 135-acre wooded campus in the heart of Blue Ash, Ohio. To learn more, call (513) 745-5600, visit us online at www.ucblueash.edu, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.