MIDDLETOWN — Delaware College Scholars recently announced the newest cohort of students slated to begin its program this week. Students hailing from Kent County include:

Raven Gaeta, First State Military Academy

Jada Hudson, Early College High School @ Delaware State University

Danika Joseph, Milford High School

Corina Kwok, Dover High School

Carly LePore, Dover High School

Avianna Machado, Smyrna High School

Makayla Moyer, Caesar Rodeney High School

Adriana Prado-Burris, Smyrna High School

Corey Self, Lake Forest High School

Milton Valenzuela, Caesar Rodney High School

These scholars, who are rising juniors, will live and study together, along with students chosen from New Castle and Sussex counties as well, at St. Andrew’s School in Middletown for the next three summers. DCS’ participants, who are selected through a rigorous application process, are all high-performing students from under-resourced backgrounds, many of whom are first-generation college students.

Starting Wednesdsay, DCS’ newest scholars will begin an intense reading, writing, and discussion-based curriculum. While immersed in a college-like residential atmosphere at St. Andrew’s School, the students will receive college mentorship; learn about and visit different colleges; and form lasting relationships with their peers who have similar academic goals. Once this summer’s program concludes, the students will continue the program for the next two summers, where they will complete intense academic and residential experiences.

They will apply to college with the help of one-on-one advising, learn about financial aid and scholarships, explore strategies for college major and course selection and formulate a plan to complete a successful freshman year of college.

Unique to Delaware, DCS is the only residential program in the state that both prepares students for college and then remains with its participants to ensure scholars persist beyond freshman year.

To date, 92 percent of Delaware College Scholars have gone on to a four-year institution of higher education. Ninety-four percent have remained in college beyond freshman year.