When it comes to La Salle’s Academic Discovery Program (ADP), facts and figures tell only part of the story. What capture its essence best are individuals—students, faculty, and staff—dedicated to making the program truly transformative.

Through the ADP, Elizabeth Pinckney, ’97, M.A. ’11, was the first of her 11 siblings to graduate from college. “There were many late nights,” she said. Pinckney juggled work and a full course load. She went on to earn her master’s degree and have a career in the child welfare and behavioral health field. “There are still things from the ADP that I carry into my work. The program is that bridge to those who are not as fortunate.”

Developed 35 years ago, La Salle’s four-year ADP provides financial aid and a constellation of support services like peer mentoring, academic advising, counseling, and tutoring to those who might not otherwise attend college and flourish. It includes financial literacy training and activities for social and cultural growth, as well as off-campus excursions.

“The ADP is a shining example of the mission of Saint John Baptist de La Salle,” said Bob Miedel, who was director for 30 years. “We’re working with students who need a break.”

In a public hearing in Philadelphia on May 26, 2015, Zakiyyah Chase, ’16, a criminal justice major, presented testimony about her experiences in La Salle’s ADP program to the House Democratic Policy Committee.

“Without the help of La Salle University’s program, I would not be here today,” Chase said in her testimony. “I was once told nothing is expected of me, based solely on where I come from. Now I have the potential to go anywhere I want to go in life.”

Chase went from a Philadelphia public school to a member of ADP’s Leadership Council and its peer advising program.

A majority of ADP students hail from Philadelphia. “Every year we actively recruit,” said Teri Ceraso, Assistant Provost of the Academic Resources Collaborative. “The staff is out at the high schools, visiting guidance counselors, working arm in arm with admission.” Ceraso noted that many students are the first in their families to attend college.

Incoming freshmen get started with a comprehensive 6 ½-week summer program. “The summer bridge was like bootcamp,” Pinckney said. “While everyone else was living their days, I was here, which was good.”

The first round of feedback students receive from their summer professors can be painful. But as Jaime Longo, Ph.D., ’99, Executive Director of Academic Support Programs, said: “They might go from struggling to write a paragraph in the first week to turning in a really good four-page paper by the end.” Longo said her colleagues spend time with students in and out of the classroom to raise their prep level.

Though Pinckney finished third in her class at an urban high school, she knew she wasn’t prepared for college. Her experience resonates with other ADP students, like Khrystyna Kobylynets, ’17, a senior nursing major who came to the U.S. from Ukraine in 2006.

“It’s easy in high school to get an A because you’re there, you’re a nice student,” Kobylynets said. “I was not prepared for college life.” She added: “The ADP was perfect. That transition did a great job, not just academically. We learned how to support each other.”

The ADP’s counseling services are vital, especially for those dealing with unimaginable circumstances. “They do a great job, they go home, and guess what? They’re back to that environment. It’s an ongoing battle,” said Len Daniels, Assistant Director and Counselor of the program.

That’s why Daniels always keeps his door open. “Students will come in as a group sometimes. We will talk, and then after the conversation, one might stick around. Then we have that personal, individual conversation.”

Some students face the tough dilemma of going to college or working to pay family bills. Because the ADP is partially funded by Pennsylvania Act 101, an applicant’s annual household income must be equal
to or less than 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. To put it in perspective, a qualifying applicant might come from a family of four with an annual income of only $32,000.

Camila Polanco, ’16, earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She said she was shy in high school. “And very hesitant about college. I thought, ‘Oh, my parents don’t have the money to send me.’”

Polanco grew as a young professional through the ADP. When she became a peer adviser in her sophomore year, she stepped out of her comfort zone.

“Everyone in the ADP has this drive to succeed,” she said. While at La Salle, Polanco conducted an original research project that she presented at the Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association student research exhibition in June 2016. She was one of only four award winners—the others were Ph.D. students. Polanco is now a research assistant at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and is considering Ph.D. programs.

“We’re grabbing hold of the future,” Daniels said. “What we do here, we know they will pass on. It’s incumbent upon us to make sure they become wonderful citizens.” He added: “It’s a matter of meeting them where they are.”