ROCKLAND — Students currently enrolled in high school are eligible for free summer University courses through UMA Rockland. The summer term begins Monday, May 17.

The program, known as High School Aspirations, provides an opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to enroll in courses that take place either on the campus, or online. Courses are taught by University faculty and grant credit which will be applied to a University transcript and to the student’s high school transcript.

According to UMA Rockland Director, Deborah Meehan, the Center enrolls 50 or more local high school students each term.

“The experience is extremely positive,” said Meehan, in a news release, adding, “Students get a taste of a real college class, gain confidence, and begin to accumulate credits toward their long term academic goals.”

This summer a course highlight within the Aspirations Program will be BUA 151, Personal Financial Planning, taught fully online by Professor David Leach.

This ten-week class runs from May 10 - July 12 and, according to Leach, provides essential information on must-know financial topics for young adults. Leach has a 32 year career in financial regulations and banking including production of a TV series called, “Credit 101.”

“This course is a game changer,” said Leach. “It teaches young people what they need to know to be successful adults as far as their financial literacy, credit, insurance and borrowing, among other topics.”

Registration for this course and hundreds of others is open now.

High school students may contact UMA Rockland at 596-6906 or visit the Early College website at https://www.uma.edu/admission/early-college/.