College Orientation and Readiness for Engineering

The Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology offers the Summer CORE (College Orientation and Readiness for Engineering) Program for incoming first-year students. This four-week program is designed to strengthen students’ readiness for college-level engineering success through targeted academic preparation and hands-on learning.

summer core logo

 

What You Will Experience

Through a blend of collaborative learning and campus exploration, students will dive into essential STEM concepts while building lasting connections with peers, faculty, and mentors.

CORE Program Highlights

  • Preview & Review: Brush up on key concepts to get a head start in fall engineering courses.
  • Active Learning: Participate in engaging, interactive sessions that make learning fun and practical.
  • Peer Collaboration: Work in small groups to tackle real-world problems and strengthen teamwork skills.
  • Personalized Support: Benefit from close guidance by experienced faculty, peer mentors, and academic advisors.
  • Campus Exploration: Get familiar with the KSU campuses and the resources available to support student success.
  • Social Activities: Make friends, build community, and enjoy a variety of fun, informal events.
  • KSU Swag: Walk away with cool gear and great memories.

CORE Program Structure

Each week is designed to build on the last, ensuring a smooth transition into college-level Engineering courses. 

Week 1: Diagnose & Discover

Focus: Assess current knowledge and identify areas for growth.               
Activities: Diagnostic testing and review of core algebra and function concepts to establish a strong mathematical foundation.

Week 2: Strengthen the Core

Focus: Reinforce calculus readiness and explore applications in science and engineering.
Activities: Deep dives into fundamental concepts with contextual examples from engineering and technology.

Week 3: Apply & Solve

Focus: Build advanced problem-solving skills in engineering contexts. 
Activities: Collaborative projects that challenge students to apply mathematical reasoning to real-world problems.

Week 4: Grow & Showcase

Focus: Foster a growth mindset, build confidence, and synthesize learning.    
Activities: Team-based final projects, presentations, and reflections to highlight readiness for college-level engineering coursework.

Why You Should Join CORE

By the end of the CORE Program, students will be equipped with the essential skills needed for fall engineering courses. Students will be energized, connected, and confident in their abilities to succeed. This is more than just a head start; it is a launchpad into the world of engineering and technology at KSU.

Eligibility Requirements

Participants must be KSU students (incoming first-year students) with a high-school GPA of 2.7 to 3.2 who will be enrolling in any Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology major for the fall 2025 semester.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • There is no cost to participate in this program.
  • No. Students are required to arrange their accommodation and pay for their own lunch.
  • Yes. The program offers free parking to participating students. Further instructions will be provided in the final acceptance letter to the students.
  • May 12, 2025 – Eligibility email to students
    May 12, 2025 - Application opens
    June 15, 2025 - Application closes
    June 22, 2025 – Acceptance letter to students
    July 14, 2025 – Program stat date
    August 8, 2025 – Program end date
  • The program runs 4 days per week from Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Students must be available for the entire program time during the week.
  • No. The CORE Program is a review of material in preparation for Engineering coursework in the fall.
  • The CORE Program takes place on Marietta Campus and in Engineering Technology Center, located at 840 Polytechnic Ln, Marietta, GA 30060.
  • For additional information send an email to bridge2engineering@kennesaw.edu.