Programi për përvojën e hershme të kolegjit (ECE).

As an administrator, one of Nancy Kutsup's responsibilities was to connect with Bergen Community College. Over several years, she collaborated with their administration to strengthen the partnership. They encouraged teachers to earn master's degrees in their fields, and they eventually established a program allowing their students to take courses with Garfield High School adjuncts as well as directly on the college campus. This enabled students to earn an associate degree while still in high school.

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One of the most valuable aspects of this program is that students on free and reduced lunch only need to pay the registration fee. The program has continued to grow, starting with six graduates in its inaugural year and reaching nineteen graduates in 2024. This initiative allows students to reduce their time in college for advanced degrees, resulting in significant cost savings.

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To learn more, visit the following link:

Early College Program - Garfield High School

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Bergen Community College's Early College Education program is designed to provide high school students with an opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school.

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Here are the key points of Bergen Community College's Early College Education program:
 

1. College Credit: High school students enrolled in the program have the opportunity to earn college credits that are transferable to Bergen Community College or other institutions.
    

2. Courses Offered: The program typically offers a range of college-level courses that align with high school curriculum standards. These courses may include general education subjects like English, mathematics, social sciences, and sciences.
    

3. Access to College Resources: Students in the Early College Education program have access to college resources such as libraries, academic support services, and campus facilities, providing a college-like experience.
    

4. Dual Enrollment: The program operates on a dual enrollment basis, allowing students to simultaneously earn high school and college credits for the courses they successfully complete.
    

5. Cost Savings: Participating in the Early College Education program can lead to significant cost savings for students and their families by reducing the overall time and expense required to complete a college degree.
    

6. Academic Rigor: Courses offered through the program maintain academic rigor comparable to standard college courses, ensuring that students are prepared for higher education challenges.
    

7. College Readiness: The program helps students transition smoothly from high school to college by exposing them to college-level coursework, expectations, and academic environments.
    

8. Support Services: Bergen Community College typically provides support services to Early College Education students, including academic advising, tutoring, and college readiness workshops.
    

9. Pathways to Higher Education: Participation in the program can enhance students' college applications and provide a pathway to pursue further higher education opportunities after high school graduation.
    

Overall, Bergen Community College's Early College Education program aims to enrich students' educational experiences, accelerate their academic progress, and better prepare them for future success in higher education and beyond.