Westchester Community College, State University of New York

Mission Statement:

The Office of High School Partnerships plans, develops, coordinates, administers, and evaluates extensive programs and projects that link Westchester Community College with area school districts by offering comprehensive programs and activities so that students from area high schools can develop the necessary skills and mindset to become successful college students.

Early College Experience Program

The cornerstone of Westchester Community College’s pre-college programs is the Early College Experience Program.  This dual enrollment program enables eligible high school students to earn college credits through Westchester Community College while completing their high school graduation requirements.  Research has shown that students who successfully complete a college credit course in high school go on to earn higher GPAs, accumulate more college credits, and persist at higher rates than their peers during the critical first three semesters of college – this effect is even greater for students who are in the academic mid-range.  Westchester Community College is partnered with approximately 35 area high schools and enrolls more than 3,000 students in college courses annually.

Step Up: Transition to College

StepUp: Transition to College is a high school to college transition program for current seniors who are on track to graduate from high school but might likely be placed into developmental English or math upon matriculation to college.  High school math and English teachers work with Westchester Community College faculty to offer a specially designed transition course that was co-developed by high school and college faculty.  Students who successfully complete the course, and who matriculate to Westchester Community College, can bypass the college’s placement testing requirements and enroll in introductory college-credit bearing ELA or math course.

P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School)

P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) is a specially designed high school through a partnership between Yonkers Public Schools, industry partners, and Westchester Community College. In these schools, students have the opportunity to graduate with a HS diploma as well as an Associates degree within 6 years.  Courses and activities in the P-TECH schools are focused in high-need workforce areas including cyber-electrical, electrical engineering, and civil engineering/architecture.

SMART Scholars

SMART Scholars is a similar partnership whereby students can enroll in approved ECE courses to earn up to 24 college credits before graduating high school.