The Institute, a passion project of Saddleback Dean Dr. Kevin O'Connor and ATEP counselor Dr. Maria Besnard, was formed through a special partnership between ATEP, Saddleback College, Irvine Valley College and the Orange County Rescue Mission's Village of Hope to help further the education goals of Orange County's homeless, impoverished and disadvantaged.  "We saw an opportunity to make a difference in their lives," said Dr. Kevin O'Connor, Dean of Liberal Arts and Learning Resources at Saddleback College.

The 12-week program provides a comprehensive learning experience that prepares students to further their education including college, obtaining a GED and seeking vocational training. The Institute is supported by deans, instructors and staff from ATEP, Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College.  Jo Ann Noyes, Irvine Valley College math professor, says this program has changed the way she views students. "It's taught me to really get to know the students and where their barriers might be, so they can learn to overcome them. Many of these students have learned to give up on themselves and others. Part of our opportunity and challenge is to teach them a path to success. They are learning to believe in themselves."

Each student from the Village of Hope participating in the program represents a different story, circumstance, age and ethnic background. Michele was living on the streets and addicted to drugs when she turned to the Village of Hope. "I was desperate.  All my life I doubted myself, but not anymore," Michele says emphatically, "now there's no turning back." "The Academic Foundation Summer Institute has given me a little love along with the teaching. The faculty was so caring. I didn't feel like I was just a number."

Mary ran away from home in ninth grade and began working. Since then, she has been a single mom working two jobs to support four kids. After working her way up to managerial positions in two previous jobs, Mary became a victim of the current recession, losing both jobs due to layoffs within six months. "I realized I was just a couple months away from being homeless. I turned to the Village of Hope and they gave me this opportunity to go back to school. I did poorly on the assessment testing in math, I've always been afraid of math, but once I got to ATEP and started the modules, I realized I do know this! I know more than I think." Confident now, even in math, she is focused on becoming a respiratory therapist and is pursuing grants and programs with fervor so she can get back to supporting her family with a promising and stable career. "I know how to count on myself," she adds.

"The primary goal at the Village of Hope is to help our students rebuild their lives and prepare them with the skills they will need to regain their independence and live healthy, stable lives," said Jim Palmer, President of the Orange County Rescue Mission. "This partnership provides our students with the education, training and guidance that is so essential to their success."

ALEKS Corporation, a Tustin company that develops artificial intelligence-based systems for individualized assessment and learning, donated the software for the math program which consists of short modules that allow students to work at their own pace while tracking their strengths and weaknesses.