College Edge Brochure

Learn more about the 2026 College Edge on-campus summer program for high school seniors and recent graduates who learn differently.

BUILD YOUR SKILLS FOR A SUCCESSFUL FALL SEMESTER

AN ON-CAMPUS SUMMER EXPERIENCE FOR NEW AND CONTINUING COLLEGE STUDENTS WHO LEARN DIFFERENTLY June 20 – July 3, 2026

BeaconCollege.edu/Edge

AN ON-CAMPUS SUMMER EXPERIENCE FOR NEW AND CONTINUING COLLEGE STUDENTS WHO LEARN DIFFERENTLY

Saturday, June 20 to Friday, July 3, 2026

Students who learn differently must often navigate college alone — with no map to follow. Without the right preparation and support, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and disconnected. If you have dyslexia, ADHD, executive function challenges or other learning differences, Beacon’s College Edge can help you gain critical insights and skills to succeed as you start — or return to — college.

Who Should Attend • Class of 2026 College-Bound High School Graduates • Gap Year Students • Transfer Students • Current College Students Interested in Building Their College Skills (Ages 18-22) Students must have a

Beacon’s College Edge is a highly interactive, on-campus residential experience. • This 2-week program will introduce you and other college-bound students to the expectations of college — and the exciting and fun opportunities you’ll find! — in a safe and welcoming setting. • You’ll participate in immersive college-level courses, plus hands on college living labs. • All activities, counseling, and instruction will help build your self awareness and skill-building in areas critical to college success: — Academic — Executive functioning — Social and emotional well-being • At the end of the program, you’ll receive a comprehensive, 3- to 5-page written evaluation offering insights by our faculty and staff on your academic readiness, independent living skills and social pragmatics, and helpful suggestions on your next steps.

diagnosed learning disability and demonstrate emotional self-control.

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TO APPLY FOR COLLEGE EDGE, VISIT BeaconCollege.edu/Edge

A Safe Zone to Challenge Yourself — and Grow

WHERE COLLEGE EDGE STUDENTS GO

Beacon’s College Edge program lets you experience the challenges and opportunities of college academics — without the pressure of getting a permanent grade. It’s a great way to get ready for the challenges of your first semester as a college student — whether that’s here at Beacon or wherever you choose to go! Mornings • You’ll take three intensive 75-minute classes each morning of the program, choosing courses that represent typical first-year courses at college. Afternoons • Guided by Beacon’s learning specialists, you’ll participate in academic open-learning sessions and college living labs — with hands-on opportunities to learn how to respond to challenging situations. Outside the Classroom You’ll engage in activities designed to help you build a balanced student life — from student clubs and organizations to fun social activities. In and out of the classroom, College Edge gives you in-the-moment feedback to help guide your actions and decision-making.

College Edge participants have gone on to attend Beacon College, as well as these and other colleges nationwide: • University of North Carolina Greensboro • University of Hartford (Connecticut) • Saint Leo University (Florida) • Palomar College (California) • Florida State College at Jacksonville

• Piedmont University (Georgia) • College Internship Program (Massachusetts)

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When you complete College Edge, you will: • Be familiar with the expectations of college — from academic rigor and resources for social-emotional counseling to student engagement. • Know how to better manage your time and make thoughtful decisions on balancing the demands of social engagement, self-care and academic success at college. • Feel better prepared to connect to your campus community for the support and resources you need. • Know how to maximize support resources at your college of choice — from tutoring and accommodations to mental health services and student affairs.

COLLEGE EDGE OUTCOMES

Immerse Yourself in College-Level Learning

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Cost to Attend The comprehensive cost to attend College Edge 2026 is $4,450, which covers all on-campus programming and expenses, including meals, housing and activities. Scholarship support is available for accepted students with demonstrated need.

As a College Edge student, you’ll enroll in three mock college classes taught by Beacon College faculty. Course offerings vary and reflect a wide range of academic interests. From psychology and media analysis to robotics, entrepreneurship, and creative storytelling, each course builds critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. Classes meet for nine days throughout the program in 50-minute sessions, spaced throughout the day to reflect a real college schedule. Moving between classes, support sessions, and labs helps you practice time awareness, transitions, and daily planning — all within a supportive, structured environment.

See pages 6-7 for this year’s College Edge courses.

Strengthening College Skills and Academic Independence

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High school sophomores and juniors are invited to join Beacon College’s residential Summer for Success experience. Learn more at BeaconCollege.edu/Summer.

Open Learning is built directly into the daily schedule and is required at least two days per week. During these sessions, you’ll work with Learning Specialists to strengthen executive functioning skills and apply

them to your coursework. You may focus on: • Time management and planning systems

• Study strategies, organization and task initiation • Assignment breakdown and project planning • Self-advocacy and using college resources effectively On additional days, students may use this time to practice strategies independently, reinforcing accountability and skill application.

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For more than 35 years, Beacon College has been the recognized leader in offering affordable, career-focused baccalaureate degree programs for students with ADHD, dyslexia and other learning differences. Beacon is located in central Florida about an hour north of Orlando.

WHY BEACON?

Practice College Life in Our College-Living Labs

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Success in college isn’t limited to what happens in the classroom. As a college student, you’ll need to manage greater personal freedom, take more responsibility for your day-to-day-life and engage in a new level of social interactions. Our hands-on college-living labs let you study and practice essential executive function, social and independent living skills for a more rewarding college experience. Topics include: • Personal finance: Build foundational skills in budgeting, saving, understanding credit, and planning for expenses • Understanding college rules and regulations: Explore attendance policies, academic integrity standards, and campus conduct guidelines • Mastering college relationships: Develop techniques and practical skills for managing social situations and age-appropriate relationships • Essentials of community living: Learn strategies for maintaining an organized living space and managing daily responsibilities on campus College also is your opportunity to forge lifelong friendships, explore new interests, build your physical and mental health — and discover yourself in the process. During College Edge, you’ll have the opportunity to do that — and have fun — with extracurricular activities that include:

Why We Use Accuplacer Testing Every College Edge student will start the program by taking the Accuplacer Test in Reading. This test — used by colleges nationwide to place students — allows you to experience and practice the kind of campus wide assessment and standardized testing you may encounter as a college student. Your scores will be used to make specific “next step” recommendations in your personal evaluation report.

• The Oasis (campus pool and recreation space) • Bowling • Escape rooms

• Walt Disney World Theme Park • Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure Theme Park • And more!

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Full details on applying to College Edge 2026 can be found at BeaconCollege/edge . Join us for an upcoming College Edge webinar. To register or for more information, contact the Center for College Readiness at collegereadiness@beaconcollege.edu or visit BeaconCollege.edu/Edge.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Students will choose one course from each block upon enrolling in College Edge.

2026 COURSES

BLOCK A | 9:00 – 9:50 A.M.

BLOCK B | 11:00 – 11:50 A.M.

The College Brain Through Marvel: Stress, Focus & Growth

Boss Battles & Brain Science: The Psychology of Gaming

Examine how the brain responds to stress, transition, and responsibility using Marvel heroes as case studies. Apply psychological concepts to develop practical strategies for focus, motivation, and emotional regulation and a personalized plan for college success. Human-Wildlife Conflict & Coexistence Explore why conflicts arise between humans and wildlife through global and local case studies. Analyze ecological, social, and ethical factors shaping coexistence strategies. Develop thoughtful solutions that balance conservation goals with community needs. Resume, Interview & Workplace Skills for Future Success Prepare for internships, campus employment, and future careers by developing essential professional skills. Craft a strong resume, practice structured interview techniques, and refine workplace communication. Build confidence presenting yourself effectively in academic and professional settings. AI for College Success: Executive Function & Productivity Explore how AI tools can support executive functioning skills such as planning, organization, and time management. Develop ethical digital literacy practices while strengthening independent thinking and academic responsibility. Create practical systems that enhance productivity without sacrificing critical analysis. LEGO ® Robotics: Engineering & Innovation Design and build functional robots while exploring core engineering principles. Apply structured problem-solving and design thinking in a collaborative, project-based environment that emphasizes innovation and analytical reasoning.

Examine how psychological principles influence video game design, player engagement, and motivation. Analyze reward systems, habit formation, and social dynamics within gaming culture. Reflect on the cognitive and behavioral impacts of gaming while strengthening critical thinking skills. Executive Functioning Skills for Academic Persistence Develop core executive functioning skills that support long term college success, including planning, task initiation, organization, and self-regulation. Practice research-informed strategies to manage workload demands, reduce stress, promote independence and support academic persistence. Creative Writing & Worldbuilding Through D&D Strengthen narrative writing skills through collaborative storytelling and structured worldbuilding. Design complex characters, settings, and plot arcs while practicing revision and peer feedback. Develop communication and strategic thinking within an imaginative framework. Moral Ecologies: Animals, Nature & Ethics Explore ethical theories and perspectives that shape human relationships with animals and the environment. Analyze real-world dilemmas involving conservation, responsibility, and interdependence. Engage in thoughtful discussion about moral decision-making in shared ecosystems. Disney, Pop Culture & Media Analysis Analyze Disney’s global influence using media studies and marketing frameworks. Examine how economic trends, technological advances, and cultural narratives shape entertainment production and audience engagement. Strengthen analytical writing and media literacy skills through case study evaluation.

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BLOCK C | 1:30 – 2:20 P.M.

Daily Schedule

Entrepreneurship Academy: Innovation & Business Strategy

7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Breakfast 9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. Block A Class 10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. Open Learning 11:00 a.m. – 11:50 p.m. Block B Class 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Lunch 1:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. Block C Class 2:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. College Living Labs 3:30 p.m. – 4:20 p.m. Social Group 4:20 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Break 5:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. Dinner 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Evening Social Activities (On- and off-campus)

Learn the foundational principles of entrepreneurship, including problem identification, market research, and business model development. Refine innovative ideas through collaboration and strategic planning. Present a structured business concept during a culminating pitch project. Design Your Own Board Game: From Concept to Creation Apply storytelling, rule design, and visual strategy to create an original board game prototype. Explore how mechanics, balance, and player engagement influence successful game development. Present and refine your design through structured feedback. Prep for Success: Building College Level Reading Skills Develop advanced reading strategies for dense academic texts, including annotation, argument analysis, and synthesis across sources. Practice metacognitive techniques and workload management skills that support comprehension and retention. Study how music shapes storytelling, emotion, and audience experience across film, television, and video games. Analyze selected media examples to evaluate the relationship between sound and narrative. Develop critical listening and analytical skills. Light & Science: Physics Through Star Wars Investigate the science of light refraction through a Star Wars– themed lightsaber duel experience. Explore how light behaves, bends, and interacts with materials while conducting structured experiments. Strengthen scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills through hands-on application. Build independence for college-level coursework. Music in Media: Film, Television & Video Games

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105 East Main Street

Leesburg, Florida 34748

www.BeaconCollege.edu

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