A Chance For College Students Who Have Foundered

By Dr. Marciene Mattleman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Akeyla Todd attended two colleges struggling with learning disabilities - particularly high level functioning and information processing, until she discovered the Bridge Program at Landmark College in Vermont, geared to those with dyslexia and deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The College was founded in 1985, and since 2006 it recruits those who have failed, or dropped out of traditional colleges, and helps them master skills and better study habits and return to their previous institutions. Some prefer to stay.

With its first group of students, 75% finished the semester in good standing, defined as having a 2.0 grade-point average. With students who have histories of poor performance, 2.0 is a significant achievement and they begin exploring options for careers. And Akeyla has just finished writing a five-page paper with much less trouble than before.

The Bridge Program serves a real need. Read more in The Chronicle of Higher Education.