Programs for High School Students
Housatonic offers a number of programs which provide access to the College for high school students.
High School Partnership Program (HSP)
Housatonic and many area high schools have signed agreements, which permit eligible high school juniors and seniors to enroll in college-level credit courses at Housatonic at no cost under the Housatonic High School Partnership Program. To be eligible for consideration, students must have the written recommendation of their high school principal or counselor, have at least an 80 (“B”)academic average, , and test into college-level (non-remedial) courses. Students admitted under the High School Partnership Program are responsible for the cost of their books and transportation. Each high school is limited to one student each semester.
Middle College Program for High School Students
The Middle College Program (MCP) at Housatonic Community College is a pre-college, academic preparation program designed “to reduce the number of high school students that require developmental course work upon entering college and to provide an academic enrichment experience” in a college campus environment. Students from three Bridgeport high schools: Bassick, Harding and Central High Schools participate in the Middle College Program. Students are placed in a mathematics and English class for one academic school year. Students, who successfully complete the course with a “C” or higher grade, are eligible to receive three (3) college credits and a HCC scholarship valued at approximately $400. In addition, students who participate in MCP attend college preparation workshops, career presentations and receive personal, financial aid and academic counseling.
College Career Pathway Program (formerly Tech Prep)
Housatonic participates in the College Career Pathways (formerly Tech Prep), 2+2 Associate Degree Program. The College Career Pathways program is a high school-based and college-based experience that combines academic and occupational learning.
College Career Pathways (CCP) serves as a link between secondary and post-secondary education and offers up to four years of a sequential program of study that includes mathematics, science, communication and a career course at the secondary and post-secondary levels to prepare students for career fields. Courses typically begin in the 11th grade and may result in an award of an associate degree or certificate after two years of post-secondary training.
The College Career Pathways program is designed to build student competency in academic subjects and provide academic preparation in a career area. High school students interested in this program should speak with their guidance counselors or call the Housatonic Coordinator for High School Outreach Programs at 203-332-5176 or email CShain@hcc.commnet.edu.
Summer Programs for High School Students
The College offers summer academic programs for Gear-Up students who are entering their senior year and new high school graduates who will enter college in the fall.
These courses include additional enrichment and academic support services. For more information, contact the Dean of Students Office.
All Other High School Students
In order for other high school students (including non-HSP and all others without a high school diploma or GED) to be admitted to Housatonic, they must demonstrate sufficient scholastic ability as demonstrated by meeting the following minimum scores on the Accuplacer placement test: Reading (score of 52 or higher); Sentence Skills (score of 60 or higher); Arithmetic (score of 36 or higher). Students must achieve the minimum scores in all three skills areas in order to meet the standards for ability to benefit. For consistency purposes, these are the same minimum scores used by the Federal government in determining financial aid eligibility for certain students. Students must achieve the minimum scores in each skills area in order to meet the standards for ability to benefit and therefore enrollment at Housatonic. A letter of recommendation from their high school principal or a designated representative also must be submitted with the application to the Admissions Office. These students are required to pay tuition and fees for any courses taken.
All high school students may be admitted to courses of study for which they satisfy the prerequisites. These students should have such maturity and other qualities indicating ability to profit from a program offered by the College. Maturity level may be determined through a personal interview. The credits earned shall be held until graduation from high school, at which time credits may be used to satisfy appropriate degree requirements or may be transferred to other colleges.
A placement test is required of all students who are interested in participating in the High School Partnership Program and for other high school students on a tuition-paying basis who plan on taking classes at Housatonic Community College.
