The Be Your Best College Prep Academy celebrated its 10th graduation Thursday at Riverland Community College in Austin.

The Be Your Best College Prep Academy has served more than 210 students during the past 10 years. The program runs for eight weeks — this year from June 13 to Aug. 4 — and it included participants from Austin, Albert Lea, Kasson-Mantorville, Triton, Faribault and Owatonna high schools. In honor of the 10th anniversary of the program, past Be Your Best alumni were invited to speak and share wisdom with the 2016 graduating class.

The Be Your Best College Prep Academy is a free program for teens and young adults, ages of 16 to 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, Austin and Albert Lea public schools, The Minnesota Office of Higher Education, and The Riverland Community College Foundation.