Spending six weeks in an advanced studies program doesn’t sound like much of a summer vacation. But Old Rochester Regional students said their time at the Project Contemporary Competitiveness program wasn’t work at all.

Sophomores Sarah Belliveau and Serena Jaskolka spoke to the Old Rochester Regional School Committee on Wednesday night about their experiences at PCC, which takes place at Stonehill College in Easton.

Photography, physics, marine biology, and a course working with autistic children were just a few of the opportunities available for students.

Both Belliveau and Jaskolka participated in the program for two years and said the courses gave them a unique opportunity for hands-on learning.

After studying marine biology last summer, Jaskolka said, “I’m in love with marine biology. Without realizing it, [PCC] is a way to explore the world and what you’re interested in.”

Even more than the academic opportunities, the students said they learned how to accept others and made friends for life.

“What I got out of the experience is stepping out of my comfort zone and meeting new people,” said Belliveau. “No one knows what you’re seen as at school, so you have a clean slate.”

Jaskolka agreed and said the program taught her to accept others.

“You can’t expect people to accept you when you’re judging others,” she said. “You can’t judge someone based on what they look like. You can’t be friends with someone because of what you think they are.”

Eleven ORR students from the eighth and ninth grades participated in last summer’s program. Superintendent Doug White said 21 slots are available.