Students get a taste of college courses

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) -- Students in Bridgeport will now be able to experience college before they even graduate from high school thanks to a new partnership between the city's high schools and nearby colleges.

The Bridgeport Early College Program gives high school students the chance to take college courses for credit. It's part of the city-wide school reform effort.

"This is about expanding high school choices, connecting high school to college and the workplace and raising expectations," said Interim Superintendent Paul Vallas.

Rather than take electives their senior year, students who meet the academic requirements will be able to take college classes, all for dual credit.

"So much of the senior year is wasted on electives that do not prepare students for college or for that matter for a job," Vallas said.

In order to qualify for the early college program in their senior year, as a junior students have to have at least a C average, be in good standing and pass a special test.

Housatonic Community College, The University of Bridgeport, Fairfield University and Sacred Heart University are all taking part in the new Early College Program which is financed by the district.

"So it's free college, it's getting a jump on college, earning college credits, it's taking college courses in college credit for free," Vallas said.

It also gives students the chance to learn what they like and don't like in the process.

"Part of the learning process is finding out what you really love, where your passion lies as well as finding out 'I thought this was my career choice, but I really don't like this' and that's very appropriate to find that out in those beginning courses," said Anita Gliniecki, the President of Housatonic Community College.

"It's giving kids a way to take unproductive time and get their lives going a little bit earlier, jumpstart your life a little bit," said Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch.