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August 09
2010
Smart
Scholars Program Kicks Off
Students arrive on campus ready to go
More than 100
Schenectady High School ninth graders reported for their first
day of school Monday at Schenectady County Community College to
begin the college's Smart Scholars Early College High School
Program, an exciting opportunity offered through a
partnership between Schenectady County Community College and the
Schenectady City School District. Through the program
students complete their high school studies, earn college credit
hours and receive academic support from both the high school and
college. This is the first year of the program.
The freshmen
and their parents attended a kick-off ceremony, were presented
with backpacks and school supplies from representatives of the
Junior League of Schenectady and Saratoga and headed to their
first college course, SCCC First Year Success Seminar.
They will have an opportunity to earn at least 20 college credit
hours before graduating from high school.
"It's such a
delight to have the opportunity to come before you and to
have this program in partnership with the Schenectady City
School District," said Dr. Quintin Bullock, College President of
SCCC. Bullock referred to what the students will
experience as "Climbing the Mountain." He told them that
their steps may vary but each step will take them to the next
level of the mountain. "You will strive to get to the
top," he said.
He also gave
them advice using "QB's ABC's." Tips included, "quest for
knowledge," "use your mind," invest in your future," "never give
up," "identify strengths...."
"Congratulations Smart Scholars," said Bullock in closing.
"You're on the train. Ready to go."
"I'm the newest
member of the team," said John Yagielski, Superintendent of
Schenectady City School District. "I'm really excited to
be part of it."
Yagielski said
he was excited to learn about the program and be involved.
"People from different parts have come together to figure out
how to help," said Yagielski after speaking briefly about how
the commissioner of education has challenged schools to a better
job. "We are way ahead of other schools," added the
superintendent. "This collaboration is a good example of
how various elements of a community can come together and make a
difference." Yagielski congratulated the partners,
students and their parents. "Feel proud," he told the
parents.
Students had to
meet specific
criteria as well as apply and be accepted to the program in
order to participate. The program aims to increase
graduation rates and increase the number of students who
complete postsecondary degrees. It is also aimed at addressing
the needs of students from populations that are traditionally
underrepresented in college. Students complete their high
school studies while at the same time earn college credit hours
at no cost to the students or their families.
The Smart
Scholars program is made a available through a $447,500 grant
awarded to SCCC from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in
December 2009.
The program is
offered as part of Schenectady High School's School of Business
and International Studies house. SCCC has partnered with the
district to offer support services, enrichment activities, carer
exploration, mentoring and courses at SCCC for students
beginning in ninth grade and continuing through 12th grade.
The program gives students a jump start as well as helps reduce
college tuition costs by compressing the time needed to
complete a college degree. Students have an
opportunity to graduate from high school with at least 20
college credits under their belts.
Valerie
Palmieri-Smith, lead teacher of the Smart Scholars Early College
High School program, Denise Murphy McGraw, Chairwoman of the
SCCC Board of Trustees, and Deneen Palmateer, President of the
Junior League of Schenectady and Saratoga Counties were also on
hand and welcomed the students and their families at Monday's
kick-off celebration.
The Junior
League of Schenectady and Saratoga presented the students with
backpacks full of school supplies. Sponsors for the
backpacks and supplies were Stewart's, WGY Christmas Wish,
Fenimore Asset Management and Schenectady Museum and Suits-Bueche
Planetarium.
The Junior
League's Operation Back-to-School project has provided more than
6,000 students with school supplies.
----------------------------------------------
In the News
Daily Gazette - Thursday,
August 12 2010
Smart Scholars students get a head start on success
How many of you
know what a syllabus is?” asked Schenectady County Community
College professor Jay Quaintance to his ninth-grade students
Monday.
“A what?” asked
one.
Quaintance
explained that a syllabus is a paper handed out on the first day
of college classes to outline what material will be covered,
what books are required and what is expected of students.
...............
Read the Daily Gazette Story
Here
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