Participants in Stonehill College’s Project Contemporary Competitiveness had only good things to say about their summer.

The six-week advanced studies program gives high school students the opportunity to choose two areas of study for the summer, including forensic science, law and marine biology.

At Wednesay nights’ Old Rochester Regional School Committee meeting a number of students shared their PCC experiences.

Mary Roussell spent her second summer at Stonehill and said, “It went above and beyond my expectations, which were extremely high.”

Roussell, a sophomore, said the experience changed her.

“These two summers, especially the past one, helped me grow so much as a person,” she said.

Fellow sophomore Nicole Ochoa spent her first summer at PCC and admitted that she had dreaded the idea of going, but the program and meeting new friends helped her get over her anxieties.

“I wish I had gone both years,” said Ochoa, who studied forensic science and drawing.

Abby Johnson was also a newcomer to the program and studied TV production and web design.

“I’ve always been fascinated with technology and the way all that works,” she said.

Through the program, she learned how to make her own website and also to be more social.

“I was able to come out of my shell a bit,” said Johnson. “PCC changed everything for me. I learned to be much more comfortable with myself and accept others.”

All of the students said they wanted more of their peers to go to PCC next summer. Superintendent Doug White said junior high and high school guidance counselors can provide students with more information.