New initiative gives Fallsburg and Eldred Students opportunity to graduate with an Associate Degree from SUNY Sullivan in addition to their high school diploma
Loch Sheldrake, NY— Building on their successful college-in-high-school partnerships, Fallsburg and Eldred central school districts and SUNY Sullivan are launching a new early college associate degree program this September at Fallsburg Junior Senior High School and Eldred Junior Senior High School. The new pathway programs give Fallsburg and Eldred junior senior high school students the opportunity to earn an associate degree from SUNY Sullivan in addition to a high school diploma when they graduate.
“Research demonstrates that access to college-level work for students in high school leads to greater degree completion and reduced student debt,” said SUNY Sullivan President Jay Quaintance. “Early college programs that allow students to complete a full associate degree while in high school have a profound, lifelong impact on participants, particularly those who would not necessarily attend college otherwise. SUNY Sullivan is excited to bring greater options to students in our partnering school districts and we are thrilled to work with Fallsburg and Eldred on this innovative initiative!”
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has approved both Fallsburg and Eldred junior senior high schools as additional locations for SUNY Sullivan.
“This is a brand new opportunity for Fallsburg students that recognizes our need to be innovative in providing new and rigorous challenges that prepare them to face the challenges of an ever-changing global society,” said Fallsburg Superintendent Dr. Ivan Katz. “We want our students to be able to meet and greet the future with tools that support their future successes.”
“I was very excited to receive the news that our Middle States application to expand our partnership with SUNY Sullivan was approved. I am so appreciative of SUNY Sullivan’s work so we can increase the number of opportunities for our students,” said Eldred Superintendent Traci Ferreira, who said Eldred is offering 17 SUNY Sullivan courses this coming year. “For the first time, freshmen and sophomores will have the opportunity to start their college transcript, but, more importantly, they will have the experience of taking a college-level class in the comfort of their home high school.”
For many years, Fallsburg and Eldred junior senior high school students have had the opportunity to take college-level classes through SUNY Sullivan. While the programs differ slightly at each district, this new early college pathway will allow Fallsburg and Eldred students to pursue the Liberal Arts: Humanities Associate of Arts degree to be completed at the same time they graduate high school. All courses are taught at the respective high schools by high school faculty and with a curriculum approved by the College.
Fallsburg Junior Senior High School Principal Kyle Roddey said the district and College have been working on the logistics for the new program for over a year with support from the Fallsburg Central School District Board of Education. Roddey said that more than 25 students are already enrolled to participate in the program this fall.
“We are delighted to be expanding our partnership with the College,” said Roddey. “This new program will open up a world of opportunities for our students. By providing the program free of cost to students, Fallsburg is making a long-term investment both in our students and in our community.”
Eldred Junior Senior High School Principal Michael Conklin said 112 students are enrolled in college classes in total, and nine freshmen are signed up this fall as part of the first cohort to participate in the new associate degree pathway program.
“As the new principal of the Junior Senior High School, I am so grateful for our students to have this opportunity,” said Conklin. “I look forward to the collaboration.”
For more information about the associate degree program at Fallsburg Junior Senior High School, please contact Principal Kyle Roddey via email at kroddey@fallsburgcsd.net.
For more information about the associate degree program at Eldred Junior Senior High School, please contact Principal Michael Conklin via email at conklinm@eldred.k12.ny.us.
SUNY Sullivan offers a variety of college-in-high-school programs in all school districts in Sullivan County, including, with the Homestead School, the Homestead Collaborative College High School in Hurleyville. The College also began offering courses at Pine Bush High School in Orange County a few years ago. The early college pathway model is an educational showcase that may expand to other school districts. For more information on SUNY Sullivan’s college-in-high-school programs, please visit sunysullivan.edu/admissions/high-school-students.
About SUNY Sullivan
SUNY Sullivan is the leader of innovative higher education and a catalyst for workforce development throughout the Sullivan Catskills and beyond. Our diverse community cultivates personal growth and professional advancement, preparing students for success in a sustainable and interconnected world. A forward-looking, top-tier community college in New York, SUNY Sullivan offers over 40 degree programs, certificates, and micro-credentials for learners at all levels of their educational goals. We value critical inquiry and creativity while supporting our students in a culture of inclusion and respect. For more information, visit sunysullivan.edu.
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Aug. 9, 2022.
