One Thousand Days Transformed - The Campaign for Cedarville
WAVE program prepares students for success

WAVE Program Prepares Students for Success

by Michaela Carpenter, Public Relations Writer

A relationship that began in the summer before enrolling at Cedarville University for Andra Polsdorfer and Grace Flint has significantly impacted their lives. The sophomore Cedarville students found the university’s WAVE program provided them with skills that have helped them become more involved with the community, while also preparing them for success in and out of the classroom. 

WAVE is a pre-college academic program that addresses student needs from a holistic perspective. This two-week program emphasizes math or English education so students become proficient. At the same time, participants in the program experience college life so they will be prepared when classes begin in the Fall term. 
“Creating community is critical to the WAVE program and to the success of our students,” said Kim Ahlgrim, co-director of the program. “The transition from high school to college can be challenging. That’s why through this program we help incoming freshmen strengthen their social and academic skills. In the end, students are prepared because of their participation in a rigorous academic curriculum and focus on community building activities.”

Both Flint and Polsdorfer benefited from their WAVE program experience. For Polsdorfer, building personal relationships was a program highlight. 

“Because of the friendships I made during WAVE, I had a really great support group for my freshman year,” Polsdorfer said. 

Students also get acquainted with the university’s Academic Enrichment Center, known on campus as “The Cove.”  The Cove helps students adapt to the university’s academic standards and the pressures of college life. 

“Asking for help can feel embarrassing for some students,” said Polsdorfer, “but The Cove has been an incredible resource for my learning experience and personal development as a student.”

As Flint and Polsdorfer thrive in their classrooms, they admit how much they’ve enjoyed other experiences together as well. Last year they participated in a spring break mission trip to the Dominican Republic, as well as a trip to Israel where they had a one-week class before finishing with two weeks of practical learning in the Holy Land. 

“Being in Israel really made the Bible come alive to me in a whole new way,” Flint said.

As Flint and Polsdorfer begin their second year at Cedarville University, both feel prepared and equipped from the past year of learning, growth and community. And they’re thankful to have participated in the WAVE program together.

They are now life-long friends with a common story—one of preparation and success.

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,711 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 100 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.

Share This Article

Interested in Cedarville?

Request Information

Are You Looking for an Expert?

Cedarville University is known throughout the country for its faculty experts who speak into national and international topics. You can find the expert you are seeking by searching our "Media Experts Guide" for detailed profiles and contact information.

Media Experts Guide »