This week’s post highlights the academic component of Bear POWER.

Academics are one of the main reasons many students pursue a college education. For Bear POWER students, academics will be one of the main areas of focus.

For the academic component of Bear POWER, students will take 12 hours each semester. However, those 12 hours will be set up to accommodate the four areas of focus for Bear POWER. For example, each semester Bear POWER students will take 6 hours of traditional coursework in an area of their personal interest. They can choose any area they want; any major at all. These 6 hours will be comprised of two classes that are audited. Though Bear POWER students will not receive a traditional grade for the course, they will receive a grade that stays within the Bear POWER department, and they will attend the course with fellow MSU peers. Our students will experience these classes in the same way as any MSU student would, and modifications to course curriculum will be made on an individual basis.

To complete a 12-hour course load, Bear POWER students will also take course sessions devoted to independent living skills, transitioning to life as a college student, and becoming a member of the workforce. Some examples of session topics include: communication, interviewing skills, and personal finance. Students will take session courses starting their first semester. Beginning the second semester, students will also participate in an internship in an area of their interest. Their internships will count for credit hours, and will fulfill the Bear POWER pillar of job readiness training.

All together, the academic portion provides Bear POWER students with a well-rounded way to explore MSU, their personal interests, independent living skills, and job readiness skills. We feel that providing students the opportunity to study whatever emphasis area they want provides a unique post-secondary opportunity that will lead to meaningful internships and post-graduation job placement.