The Be Your Best College Prep Academy will be celebrating their annual graduation on Thursday, July 31 at 4:30 p.m. at Riverland’s Austin Campus’ West Building cafeteria. This year, the Be Your Best academy includes participants from Austin, Albert Lea, Medford, Northfield and Owatonna high schools.

Dignitaries at this year’s graduation ceremony include Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Chancellor Steven J. Rosenstone and his wife, Dr. Maria Antonia Calvo. Minnesota Office of Higher Education representatives include Director Larry Pogemiller and Communications Director Sandy Connolly.

The Be Your Best College Prep Academy has served more than 180 students in the past eight years. The Be Your Best College Prep Academy is a free program for teens and young adults between the ages of 16 and 22. During Be Your Best, students have the opportunity to prepare for college by taking pre-college math, reading, writing and career planning. Students receive guidance and support through dedicated instructors, advisors, counselors and tutors. Students also benefit from the educational seminars designed for college success and participate in leadership, volunteer activities and field trips throughout the summer. The Be Your Best College Prep Academy is made possible through the continued generous support from The Hormel Foundation, Alliance for Educational Equity (Austin and Albert Lea public schools), The Minnesota Office of Higher Education, and The Riverland Community College Foundation.