With her associate degree in Secondary Education completed, Kaitlyn Leister of Oaks, PA, started 2022 ready for the next stage of her educational journey.

She’s on her way at Millersville University with the goals of earning a Bachelor of Science degree in education and becoming a social studies teacher—and she has the self-confidence and skills to make it happen.

Leister is the first student to graduate from MCCC’s new Connections Experience (CCE) program, an immersive academic pathways program. CCE immediately connects first-time college students to a full array of resources, including academic, career and financial advising, as well as loaner textbooks and laptops.

In addition, students take a tuition-free, three-credit First-Year Experience course to gain knowledge and skills that prepare them for college courses and careers, as well as up to two additional tuition-free, three-credit courses.

"It's not just a program; it's a family. They are there to help you achieve more than you thought you ever could." - Kaitlyn Leister, first graduate of the Pottstown Community Connections Experience program

Most importantly, the program pairs students with success coaches who work closely with them throughout the program to make sure they not only stay focused on their journeys but also seek academic and professional development opportunities along the way.

The College launched the program in 2020 after receiving funding through a Title III grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The program is available to all first-time college students pursuing their education at the Pottstown Campus. For more information about eligibility, visit the web page for the Pottstown College Connections Experience and email CCE@mc3.edu.

For Leister, CCE enabled her to successfully navigate the college experience from the first day she stepped on campus.

“I’m an only child and neither of my parents graduated from college,” she said. “We had a lot of questions, and we were able to connect with Deanna Vokes (student success coach) through Zoom meetings and emails. The extra support during my first year was very helpful.”

She says the program director also played a huge role in her success at MCCC.

“Program Director Laura Kline takes the time to get to know the CCE students,” Leister said. “It’s not just a program; it’s a family. They are there to help you achieve more than you thought you ever could.”

One of the most important skills she learned was to advocate for herself and ask questions when she needs assistance.

“I’ve learned there are people and resources available to help you,” Leister said. “I’m not afraid to ask questions of my professors at Millersville.”

When she started her second year at MCCC, she was able to use what she learned through CCE to work as a peer connector and assist first-year students as they started the program.

“Sometimes it’s just easier for students to talk to other students when they have questions, especially in the beginning,” said Leister, who is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa international honor society for two-year colleges. 

Leister is looking forward to teaching in a few semesters and using what she’s learned to create a positive experience for her students.

“I enjoyed my time at Montco, and I miss everyone—Deanna still checks in with me to see how I’m doing. It’s a good place,” she said.