WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Missouri State University-West Plains has launched a new program for area residents who are interested in attending college but unsure of their academic skills.

The Intensive College Readiness Program (ICRP) will help students increase their math, English and reading comprehension skills before taking required placement tests for enrollment, university officials said.  The free program is specifically designed to help adults who have been away from the classroom for a period of time and are now wanting to pursue a college degree or a new career, officials said.

“Most people do not refresh their skills before taking placement tests, which results in them being placed in a lower level math or English class than they might have been,” said Victoria Howerton, testing coordinator with the Advisement and Academic Coaching Center for Empowering Student Success (AACCESS).  “Some people may only need a refresher course and others a more concentrated effort in one or two areas.  Regardless of where they are placed, the ICRP will help them be more successful.”

“It doesn’t matter what skill level someone has when entering the program, ICRP faculty can create individual plans for math, English and reading,” said ICRP Director Joan Wright.  “We also can help students develop good study habits and test-taking skills – two things essential to academic success.”

The program is housed on campus in the Pennsylvania House, 308 Pennsylvania Ave., which also houses the Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) Program.  The building is directly across from the West Plains Public Library’s book drop, university officials said.

For more information or to schedule an appointment for an ICRP session, call Wright at 417-255-7744.

    This program is funded by a $2.5 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.  The product was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor.  The U.S. Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership.  EO/AA/M/F/Veterans/Disability