From a delighted parent:

The reason for this expression of parental joy is the College Access Program (CAP) at Montgomery College. CAP is a non-credit academic skills development program for students with learning disabilities. As the above parent puts it, "she is a bright person, but her reading and writing abilities were poor."

Megan is an example. Megan enrolled at Montgomery College, but failed her first English class. "I thought I was ready for college," she said. "I hoped if I ignored my learning disability, it would go away."

But it didn’t go away and Megan failed English a second time. Finally, at the suggestion of her professor, she enrolled in CAP and plunged into its intensive two-semester program. By working with CAP’s trained staff members and completing the necessary six courses, Megan was able to face going back to college with confidence.

"CAP is designed to help students build skills they need to succeed in college courses and the work force," says longtime CAP professor Sandi Komarow. She adds that one big advantage is, "the strong sense of community and support it helps create for students," who attend with others facing the same academic challenges.

When she returned to her credit English class, Megan earned a grade of B, not to mention a wealth of self-confidence.

CAP is open to students who have a diagnosed specific learning disability and fulfill several other requirements. Since its inception in 1978, it has hosted almost 1,000 students, many of whom have gone on to credit classes at Montgomery College, to four-year colleges and universities, and into the workplace.

An information open house on CAP is coming up March 26, 7-9 p.m. in the Faculty/Staff Dining room, Campus Center, Rockville campus.

The session will cover:

• The application process
• Documentation requirements
• Appropriate course placement
• Expectations of college students
• Types of accommodations available at Montgomery College