Leslie Cole has a passion – taking care of the mentally handicapped. And he recently discovered that the best way to pursue that passion was to go back to school. “It has taken me many, many years to learn this but education is invaluable,” he says.
Unlike most people who go back to school, he is not doing it for the money. He is doing it so that he can better serve the people he takes care of.
So what catalyzed Cole into action? He explains that one day he came across the Test Drive College Program, formerly Future Scholars, and that finally pushed him to make the decision to go back to school. “I thought, I have to do something and this is my chance,” he said. In fact, if not for the program, he probably would not have gone back to school at all.
Test Drive College is a free program designed to introduce individuals to the world of online learning, eligible students receive a free online course. Their goal is to provide qualifying motivated students the chance to test-drive an online class.
In order to qualify, Cole had to pass an online assessment test. Once he did, he was given the choice of several different courses. He enjoyed his class, Early Childhood Development, so much that he decided to enroll full-time and is now working towards a Psychology degree.
“There is nothing that I really dislike about going to school online,” says Cole. “Actually, I try to talk other people into doing it too!”
April 21, 2010
Online college has opened so many doors for me! I am a single mom, and it has helped my to pursue my dream of obtaining a hospitality degree. Don’t know where I would be with out it!
April 30, 2010
Makes you realize that you can do anything if you put your mind to it! What are the qualifications to taking the free online course?
May 4, 2010
This is such a great idea. I am a single mom and have an autistic child. Getting babysitters is near impossible and very expensive. With online classes I am going back to school to get my degree in special ed and am still home with my son.
May 17, 2010
Hi Kathy: To qualify for the free online course through Test Drive College Online, you must: 1. Pass a short 20 question online college assessment exam and 2. Talk to a Test Drive College Online advisor who will ensure that your education goals are in line with the program. You can apply today by going here.
September 13, 2010
Online college is a viable alternative to furthering my education since I have to hold down a full time job at the same time. Are there any internships offered through the program?
December 12, 2010
Its great to hear about his success with the program. I just not too long ago finished my trip through the program too and I can’t recommend it enough to everyone out there sitting on the fence!
January 20, 2011
Hey Harry. Unfortunately the Test Drive College Online program does not offer internships. However, if you transfer to one of the partner schools they can assist you with finding internships.
February 21, 2011
I just withdrew from traditional college because I can’t afford the cost. Is there financial aid for online college like there is for traditional schools?
March 16, 2011
Hi Ollie. Yes there is financial aid for online college.