ABINGTON, Pa. — Every incoming first-year Penn State Abington student can get a head start on college success by signing up for the free, virtual "Chaiken Check" summer program that can help improve their math, writing and study skills before the fall semester begins.
The program is offered through the Abington Chaiken Center for Student Success, the only center of its kind at any Penn State campus outside of University Park. Students receive targeted support by working with trained peer tutors and success coaches to sharpen key skills and develop strategies they can use both in and out of the classroom.
"By building strong foundations over the summer, students enter the fall semester more prepared and confident about what's ahead," Dennis Millan, student success specialist, said.
The "Chaiken Check" targets three critical areas:
- Math support helps students review essential concepts for their fall courses.
- Writing support focuses on the academic writing skills needed for college-level work.
- Peer success coaching equips students with strategies for time management, organization, and overall academic readiness.
After completing the math component, students can retake the ALEKS math placement test, potentially qualifying for higher-level courses so they can stay on track to earn their degree.
In its debut last summer, the program produced measurable outcomes, with several participants earning academic honors.
One student needed support to place into a high-level math course required for his major. After working with a tutor, he took the placement test again, increased his score, and qualified for the course he needed. He went on to earn an "A" in the math class and finished his first semester with honors. Other participants similarly advanced a level in math, earned strong grades, and finished with high overall averages in their first semester, underscoring the program’s impact.
Incoming first-year students interested in the Chaiken Check are encouraged to contact the Chaiken Center at success-ab@psu.edu as soon as possible.
Commitment to Student Success
The "Chaiken Check" reflects the broader efforts of the Chaiken Center, which is designed to help students progress efficiently through required coursework and stay on track for graduation.
It also aligns with the campus's commitment to the Abington Experience, a roadmap to help prepare students to succeed through internships, research with faculty mentors, short-term travel, and leadership development. Students receive support through the Chaiken Center that prepares them personally and academically so they can maximize their campus to career journey.
About Penn State Abington
Penn State Abington, home to nearly 3,000 students and just minutes from Philadelphia, offers 26 four-year majors and 14 NCAA Division III athletics teams. The Abington Experience launches students from campus to career through internships, leadership development, short-term academic travel and faculty-led research. Penn State Abington — where the city’s energy meets the best of the suburbs.