Nearly 150 high school graduates have been accepted into the Coastal Excellence and Leadership (CEaL) program at Coastal Carolina University for the 2016 summer session.

In 2014, the first year of the program, 54 students were accepted; in 2015, there were 79 students enrolled.

CEaL students are selected because they have demonstrated exceptional academic skills and leadership potential, but insufficient standardized test scores for college admission. Experts have observed that a high school student's grade point average is a more accurate indicator of a student's success in college, and CEaL recognizes deserving students by offering them a head start in their college career.

Students attend a summer session for four weeks and reside in University housing. They complete two accelerated academic core courses and are introduced to the rigors of academic study. CEaL students are also provided leadership programming and exclusive access to CCU faculty, staff and administration. Students are expected to earn at least a C in both academic courses and, if successful, matriculate into the freshman class.

"CEaL offers a jump start on University life, and students are privy to campus resources earlier than other freshmen," says Brandi Neal, director of the program. "The CEaL program aims to provide academic and support services for worthy students so that their leadership potential is realized, and they may become leaders on campus."