College is NOT mission impossible

"The first question I ask a student is, 'If you could, would you?' They almost always say 'Yes' and their description of what they would do once they let go of their perceived limitations is usually quite passionate. This is where our work together starts, with passion and a vision. Most importantly, every young adult should know that they can achieve their academic dreams, and that we're committed to teaching them the skills and strategies to do it."

        – Sue Harless, M.Ed, Academic Director/Learning Specialist

Excelling in college is an art: a learned strategy that takes essential skills and a can-do attitude. It's not simply a matter of intelligence or fitting into a conventional classroom. It's about understanding yourself as a learner, knowing how to use resources, and dedicating yourself to seeing all obstacles and failures as opportunities to grow.

Whether students begin with our small, privately taught accredited courses, or by enrolling in classes at nearby Oregon State University-Cascades or Central Oregon Community College, they learn to cope with the stresses of a real-life college experience while receiving the training and tutoring they need to thrive.

Drawing upon over 20 years of experience in the education of young adults, Sue Harless, co-founder of College Excel, has designed a powerful curriculum for student achievement. Combining an in-depth understanding of a student's learning style with an education history and skills assessment, Sue insightfully crafts a recommended academic course of action that aligns with each student's strengths and vision. This unique and dynamic curriculum challenges students to tap into their innate creativity and hone their critical thinking skills. Students learn to self-advocate from a deep understanding of who they are and what they need.

We help students manage the registration process, select instructors, and create a workable schedule. Our skills-building coursework helps students overcome limiting beliefs, anxiety, procrastination, and motivational hurdles. In effect, students learn how to learn.

Academic Center for Excellence
Accredited Courses
Skills Courses
Study Abroad & Service Learning
High School Completion
Partner Colleges

© Changing Directions, LLC 2006