Westfield State University President Dr. Ramon S. Torrecilha addresses School Committee Monday evening. (Photo by Amy Porter)
WESTFIELD – Westfield State University President Dr. Ramon S. Torrecilha presented a new program to the School Committee on Monday evening that will help Westfield students prepare for college. Called the Westfield Promise, the program is intended to help high school students to focus on a college career and to bank transferable college credits.
Torrecilha said the number of high school students going to college is dropping. This program will demystify the process, by engaging high school juniors. In the first year, juniors enrolled in the program will take a stretch college course at their high school, co-taught by a Westfield State professor and high school teacher, which will earn transferable credits to Westfield State. Stretch refers to a college course normally taught in a semester that will be taught over a whole school year.
During their senior year, students in the program will take classes at Westfield State, earning up to 9 credits per semester. In addition to the courses, the students will have the opportunity to sit down with a faculty member to discuss college plans.
“Ok, what’s your passion. Tell me your passion, and I’ll find you a major. Major in your passion,” Torrecilha said would be the conversation. He said that Westfield State is taking a risk, because the students in the program may not attend the university. However, he said, as long as the students attend higher education, it’s a good investment.
Dr. Shelley Tinkham, Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education, who also attended the School Committee meeting, said the program targets first generation college bound and low income students, but everyone is welcome to apply. Requirements are a 2.5 GPA, “adequate” MCAS performance and the recommendation of a guidance counselor.
The courses at the university will cost low income students $100 for a 3-credit course, $300 for those who are not low income. If there is a financial need, they are committed to working with the superintendent. “When families and students pay $33 per credit, they are more invested,” Tinkham said. All credits earned will be transferable.
Westfield Public Schools Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski said the program will begin this summer with 25 students in the first pilot program who will be taking the stretch classes over the year along with a student success course.
Czaporowski said they piloted a cohort calculus class at Westfield Tech this year, which he admitted lost a few students along the way. Tinkham said there is the added variable at Westfield Tech of alternating weekly classes during junior year between academics and the technical shops. “The model can look a little different. Regardless, the students will benefit,” Tinkham said.
This coming year three courses will be offered at Westfield High School, including political science, American government and English. At Westfield Technical Academy they will be offering English composition, and adding psychology for the 2018-19 school year.
The university is currently working with Westfield, Holyoke and Springfield public schools, and hopes to expand the program to other districts, including Chicopee and West Springfield. At the meeting, Torrecilha asked for the School Committee’s endorsement of the program. “I need your support, Stefan needs your help, Westfield needs your support,” Torrecilha said. He said for this first year, the university has received a grant from the state. “We want to demonstrate success to the state,” he said.
Torrecilha also said that college credit is one way for Westfield State to partner with the school district. “This is really about making an investment. 30% of the U.S. population has a bachelor’s degree, although Massachusetts is a little higher,” he said. Torrecilha said 93% of the students at Westfield State are from Massachusetts, and the majority stays in the I-91 corridor following graduation.
“You educate your children, and hope they stay in your community,” said School Committee member Diane Mayhew.
Tinkham said the students have already been selected for the inaugural program, and acceptance letters will go out in the next week or two. The program will begin with orientation on August 7 and 8.
