Quincy College, high school partnership for high-needs students approved by state

QUINCY — The state has given the OK for Quincy College to start offering a trio of classes for college credit to low income, special needs and English language learners in the city's high schools that officials say will help nontraditional students forge a path beyond graduation.

The Early College High School program will offer classes in criminal justice, music across cultures and English composition starting this fall. A math class could be added for the school year that starts in 2022. More than 140 students from Quincy's two high schools are signed up to participate this year. Superintendent Kevin Mulvey said he expects that number to grow as students finalize class schedules in the coming months.

The classes will be open to "high needs students" in ninth through 12th grades who are low income, English language learners, first-generation students or who have a disability and may not be considering college. 

"We hope they find a way to not only continue their education but to get something they don't usually get — college courses in high school," Mulvey said. "We are hoping they will have this experience and maybe want to continue their college education or have a better grasp on what they want to do after high school." 

The classes will be taught by Quincy public school instructors guided by Quincy College, and will qualify students for college credit. Mulvey said it was important to him to include classes in the program that will peak students interests — such as music and criminal justice — rather than bring in tougher classes in subjects the high school already teaches.

"With music especially, we wanted to introduce classes that may be eye opening for a student to realize college has all kinds of classes, options and opportunities," he said.

Early College is a state initiative that targets economically disadvantaged students and students of color. It is not the same as the district's existing dual-enrollment program, which opens up Quincy College classes to high achieving students looking to get a head start on higher education requirements.

Of the 28 Early College programs in the state, this will be the first on the South Shore. 

The State Street Foundation will fund the program for the first three years with a $1.3 million grant awarded to Quincy and two high schools in Boston. 

"We're delighted to work with North Quincy High and Quincy High School to bring this innovate program to our city, and we thank State Street Foundation for their generous contribution," Quincy College President Richard DeCristofaro said in a statement. "Any opportunity to expose our high school students to the benefits of a college education represents a win for our entire community."

DeCristofaro has lauded establishing Quincy College as the city's "grade 13 and 14" as a saving grace for the school. He has also pointed to the diverse makeup of the school's students both racially and socioeconomically as a strong point for the college and city.

"That inclusiveness is key. Forty-five percent of our enrollment are students of color. I think that is an incredibly powerful message that this city cares for everyone," DeCristofaro told The Patriot Ledger. 

Original Source: https://www.patriotledger.com/story/news/2021/07/23/quincys-early-college-high-school-program-start-fall/8045156002/