Waterbury, Conn. ( August 12, 2022) – Post University has entered into memorandums of understanding with five Connecticut-based high schools that will allow high school students to earn college credit in undergraduate programs at Post’s High School Academy. The schools that will join this initiative are Marvelwood in Kent, Torrington Christian Academy in Torrington, Seymour High School in Seymour, as well as Great Oaks Charter School, and The Bridge Academy in Bridgeport.
High School Academy students can start their college journey with eight-week accelerated online classes and 16-week classes available at their high school or Post’s Waterbury campus. Students also can experience the full range of college happenings at Post University, with access to all student resources and events.
Dual and concurrent enrollment programs across the country continue to increase high school graduation rates and college application rates. A study at the University of Texas found that a cohort’s share of students earning at least one dual credit increases its high school graduation rate, university application submissions, admission, and enrollment. The Colorado Department of Higher Education found that students in dual enrollment programs are more likely to enroll in college than their peers.
According to Chad McGuire, Post University’s director of High School Academy and continuing education program, Post saw a significant growth in its program over the last four years, despite the pandemic’s impact on schools across the country. What began as a program of 10 students in 2019, will have over 325 students, in grades 9 through 12, enrolled in the High School Academy program this fall.
“Unlike dual enrollment programs in other universities, we bring a tailored approach to learning, working with each high school to build and customize a learning model that works best for the school and its students,” said McGuire. “We don’t subscribe to a one-size-fits-all model,” he said.
At Seymour High School, administrators sought to provide a pathway for both college and career programs. Post University collaborated with the school to build a career-focused first responders’ program that offered courses in subjects like criminal justice and homeland security. Outside of the classroom, Seymour students enrolled in the program get to experience the realities of first responders by working with professionals at Seymour’s police and fire departments.
Other Connecticut-area schools like Great Oaks Charter School and The Bridge Academy have made early college a priority for students. Those enrolled in the High School Academy have the ability to take courses to earn an associate’s degree concurrent with their high school diploma.
“We are thrilled to expand our High School Academy program to schools through Connecticut,” said McGuire. “We want to empower youth to embark on their higher education journey and explore career paths in a program that offers a valuable stepping stone to their future.”
For more information on High School Academy, please visit https://post.edu/hsacademy/ or call 203-596-4532.