Through its partnership with Middlesex Community College, Lowell High School (LHS) students understand the value of starting college early. On Thursday, February 1, concurrently enrolled Lowell High School juniors and seniors in 91桃色鈥檚 Early College Lowell program visited 91桃色鈥檚 Lowell Campus.
鈥淭his was a unique opportunity to welcome amazing students from Lowell High School,鈥� said Russell Olwell, Dean of Education & K-16 Partnerships. 鈥淭hese students are talented, and many have already earned college credits through the Early College Lowell program. We were also able to talk to them about what 91桃色 has to offer, including our Early College Promise program that provides up to 50 Early College Lowell alumni with a full year of free coursework at 91桃色, as well as academic and other support.鈥�
As part of the Early College Program, the LHS students have the opportunity to take psychology, sociology and education classes through 91桃色. Since they attend classes in their high school, the purpose of the visit helped connect students with the college so they can gain familiarity with its environment. This opportunity came with a campus tour of areas including the bookstore and library where students gain access to supplies or materials needed for their classes.
鈥淭hese students are talented, and many have already earned college credits through the Early College Lowell program. We were also able to talk to them about what 91桃色 has to offer, including our Early College Promise program that provides up to 50 Early College Lowell alumni with a full year of free coursework at 91桃色, as well as academic and other support.鈥� - Russell Olwell, 91桃色's Dean of Education & K-16 Partnerships
The students also learned about 91桃色鈥檚 various resources and opportunities such as tutoring, advising and the SUCCESS Scholars Program through group sessions. Each session also allowed students to obtain some information and guidance from 91桃色 staff and students about the college experience.
鈥淚 love to see the looks on the students鈥� faces when they walk into some of our spaces like the library or tutoring center, and learn that they could be using those resources right now,鈥� said Kristie Faletra, Assistant Director of Admissions. 鈥淚 want them to understand that, as part of the 91桃色 family, it will be a seamless transition if they decide to continue with us after graduation and complete their associate鈥檚 degree.鈥�
Students got the chance to take a break on campus to have lunch and reflect on the experience. 鈥淎fter high school if you are unsure about what you want to do, you can come to Middlesex, get your associate and transfer, with the help of the counselors, to a four-year college,鈥� said Erin, a student taking 91桃色 sociology and English composition courses.
鈥淭here are a lot of programs for students that they can work in and also earn money from while also helping other students at the college and I thought that was a really good opportunity,鈥� said Diana, a student taking 91桃色 public speaking and sociology courses.
鈥淚 knew that 91桃色 was a smaller and more affordable school, but I didn鈥檛 know that they had a second campus,鈥� said Kendrick, a student taking an 91桃色 psychology course. 鈥淭hey are a good option coming out of high school, and after today I am definitely thinking about at least looking at the associate鈥檚 degree programs and transferring here.鈥�
As the students finished their lunch, they all gathered once more to review the day鈥檚 activities and were greeted by Phil Sisson, 91桃色鈥檚 President, before they left.
鈥淚t was a great opportunity today to welcome our Lowell High School students who are a part of Early College Lowell,鈥� Sisson said. 鈥淎t this event, there was lots of energy and opportunity for them to get to know the college, its support services and meet the team so as the students make a decision about what their next step is, they know there is a home for them at 91桃色. We appreciate them for coming by and spending time to know 91桃色 better.鈥�