The program begins with a session on writing a persuasive essay. In other words, how do you effectively express “who you are” on a piece of paper? Actual college admissions and scholarship essays are shared as examples. In addition to this session, an essay topic can be assigned, perhaps based on a local scholarship or college (e.g., Common Application) essay question so that it has immediate value. In a subsequent session, a critique by NCCC staff of the first draft of the essay done can be shared with each student in the class, if time and funding allow.