St. Charles Parish students can earn college credit this summer through a free virtual camp hosted by St. Charles Tutoring Lab.
The CLEP Camp, which meets weekly, will teach students how to earn college credit through the College Level Examination Program. It’s ideal for students in grades 8-12.
Johnel Robinson, director of the tutoring lab, said the camp will provide students with strategy coaching, check-ins and accountability.
“The goal is to create a flexible but supported pathway – students are not just told what to do, they are guided step-by-step,” Robinson said.
By completing the Modern States coursework, students can earn vouchers to cover the $93 exam free and earn college credit by passing examinations administered by the College Board. Students can earn credit in a wide range of subjects, including college algebra, precalculus, college composition, U.S. history, psychology, sociology, biology, natural sciences, management, Spanish, French and others.
“Students are tested on college-level knowledge, but many of these topics align closely with what they are already learning in school,” Robinson said. “This makes CLEP a strategic extension of what students already know, not something completely new.”
The camp has two parts. An introductory session for parents and students will explain what CLEP is and how students can earn college credit for free. Then, the camp will provide ongoing support with guided study plans and strategy sessions.
“Tutoring is available as an additional support option for students who want extra help in specific subjects, structured instruction beyond self-paced learning or ACT-aligned skill building alongside CLEP,” Robinson said.
The CLEP camp is hosted in partnership with the United Way of St. Charles.
“The inspiration for the camp came from a simple but powerful realization: many families are paying for college credits their students could earn for free – right now,” Robinson said.
Through her years of working with students, Robinson said she has recognized that families are often unaware of programs like CLEP and Modern States.
“This camp was created to bridge the information gap, give students a head start on college and help families save thousands of dollars,” she said.
She said she hopes students and families leave with a clear understanding that college credit can start in middle and high school.
“Most importantly, I want them to walk away knowing that we don’t have to wait. We can start now,” she said.
