Students at Matawan Regional High School have been granted the opportunity to get an early start to college.
The Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District has implemented the Husky Early College Academy at the high school.
This program is intended to give academically prepared students the opportunity to earn an Associate of Arts, Social Science degree from Brookdale Community College while also achieving their high school diploma, according to the school district.
“The vision of the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School district is to create opportunities for students to achieve college and career pathways through as many mediums as possible,” Board of Education President Kathleen Gentile said. “The district leadership team and the board of education, with the assistance of the greater community, formulated a strategic plan that included creating rigorous academic experiences for all students.”
The board listened to a presentation about the Husky Early College Academy during its recent regular meeting at the Cliffwood Elementary School.
According to Gentile, the purpose and functions of the academy was presented by the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Elford Rawls-Dill, the Matawan Regional High School Principal, Michele Ruscavage, the Matawan Regional High School Assistant Principal, Sean Cronin, and the School Counselor, Christine Palumbo.
“The district’s partnership with Brookdale Community College provides students the unique opportunity to explore their higher-education academic interests while also completing high school graduation requirements,” Gentile said.
Gentile said the specific date when students can apply to be part of the academy is still to be determined. However, parents and students will be invited to an informational session for the Husky Early College Academy during the month of March.
Applications will be accepted following the informational session in March, according to Gentile.
“Matawan Regional High School students currently have the opportunity to take college courses through a dual-enrollment program with Brookdale Community College and now the Husky Early College Academy,” Gentile said. “We hope there are future opportunities for our students to expand their academic experiences through other degree options at the college level.”
Gentile said the creation of the Husky Early College Academy is an objective of the student achievement goal within the district’s Strategic Plan. The board adopted the 2016-2021 District Goals at the July 24, 2017 board meeting.
“After students are accepted, they will have the opportunity to engage in a district organized Summer Success Program during the month of August. This program is designed to offer students the supports that will enhance their experiences during the first year of the program. Students will take high school and college courses September 2018 through June of 2019,” Gentile said.
According to Gentile, the projected cost per credit for students is $45 for courses taught by district staff and $135 per credit for courses taken at Brookdale Community College. The total estimated cost of tuition is $6,210.00.
“I think this is a wonderful opportunity for our high school students to aim high, work hard, and achieve gratifying success, both personally and academically,” Gentile said. “It is yet another example of how the [board] and district administrative team work collaboratively, engaging in a thoughtful process to align our vision, goals, and actions to bring innovative programs and quality instruction into the classroom.”
“Nothing unites us more as a group, when we focus our attention on what is best for our students, and what we can do, from a team approach, to support our entire school community. It’s always a great day to be a Husky.”
For more information visit www.marsd.org/Domain/81 and click on the Husky Early College Education tab.
Contact Vashti Harris at [email protected].