Beginning in the fall semester, a pilot student success program called MAP (Mentor Advising Program) will be offered to a select group of Carver Center and Parkway Center students.

MAP consists of a study skills course and a sequence of mentoring which will connect students to college staff. The goal of this program is to improve student success and persistence in college courses. Students will also receive assistance in completing an educational plan that targets a particular degree or certificate.

The MAP planning committee, headed by Martha Whitley, student success coordinator at North Harris College, believes that financial incentives are crucial to the success of this program. Carver Center and Parkway Center will be funding the cost of the teachers and textbooks for the study skills course as an extra incentive so that students will enroll.

Students enrolled in the success course will study topics such as learning styles, time management, goal setting, note taking and test taking skills. They will also complete the College Student Inventory. This inventory helps the student identify possible obstacles that may interfere with successful completion of college courses.

�This program will provide each student with highly individualized help,� says Whitley, �and will assist them in developing the skills to succeed in college.� If the pilot program is successful, it will be expanded and offered to students at North Harris College in the spring.