High School Students Getting A Jumpstart On College This Summer
Adjunct Faculty Member Bryan Florkiewicz teaches a Western Civilization class.
More than 380 students from Schenectady High School are on campus this summer for the six-week Early College High School program. Students are taking courses in Art History, Psychology, Western Civilization, Public Speaking, Computer Applications, Environmental Science, First Year Seminar, Statistics, College Algebra, Trigonometry, Statistics, Precalculus, Business, U.S. Government and Politics, and Sociology.
Adjunct Faculty Member Oscar Alberto Bogran teaches History of Art II.
One of those students is Ethan Brougham, who started taking college courses as a rising ninth-grader during Summer 2023. This summer Ethan is taking Art History as he prepares to enter 11th grade at Schenectady High School, working toward completing both his high school diploma and his college degree in Liberal Arts. For the next two years, he will be taking courses at SUNY Schenectady. He plans to transfer on for his bachelor’s degree after he graduates in 2027 with both his high school diploma and associate degree.
What have you enjoyed about Early College High School?
“My cousin was in the Early College High School program and I saw how much he succeeded in academia. I really wanted to seize this opportunity because it’s something that is once-in-a-lifetime – to finish high school and your associate degree. I like how my classes are small. You gain those bonds with the other students and that is really helpful especially in your adolescent years. The counselors, professors, and staff are always there to help you succeed. They always push you. They’re the best of the best. I have loved all of my classes, especially my History classes. I like how they push us to learn new things.”
Students in the Smart Transfer program have the goal of either earning 60 college credits or completing an associate’s degree by high school graduation. Most of them go on to transfer to a four-year college or university after they graduate. Those in the Smart Scholars program have the goal of earning an average of 24 college credits by high school graduation.
Hema Singh, who is President of the Student Council for the Early College High School Program, also began taking college courses as a rising ninth-grader during Summer 2023. This summer she is taking Introduction to Psychology and Western Civilization to 1650. Hema plans to transfer on for her bachelor’s degree after she graduates with both her high school diploma and associate degree in Criminal Justice.
What have you liked about Early College High School?
“My two years in the program have been fast-paced. All of my professors have been amazing. Our class discussions have been really good. All of my ideas were so validated by my professors and that’s what school is supposed to be about. You should feel comfortable to say your opinions. I’ll be done with high school and have my associate’s degree. It saves me time and it also saves me money.”