The Be Your Best College Prep Academy will celebrate graduation at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at Riverland Community College’s Austin campus cafeteria in the West Building.

According to a press release, the Be Your Best College Prep Academy has seved over 250 students throughout the past 12 years. The program runs for eight weeks. This year, the academy was from June 11 through Thursday and it included participants representing Austin and Albert Lea high schools.

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 prepare for college by taking pre-college math, reading, writing and career planning. Students receive guidance and support through dedicated instructors, advisers, 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 continued support from the Hormel Foundation, Austin and Albert Lea public schools, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the Riverland Community College Foundation.