Learn more about: The Early College High School Learning Grant – Solvay Success Academy

Learn more about: The Early College High School Learning Grant – Solvay Success Academy
 
The beginning of November marked the start of something new at the Solvay Union Free School District – Solvay Success Academy. The program, funded by a grant from the New York State Education Department, is open to students entering ninth grade at SHS. The goal of the program is to give students the opportunity to earn an average of 24 college credits by the time they graduate high school, further putting them on the path to success in college.
 
In June 2018, the Solvay UFSD was awarded the Early College High School Learning Grant by the New York State Education Department. Solvay UFSD was one of 19 schools in the state selected to implement the Smart Scholars Early College High School program. For the program, schools participating are required to have an active partnership with an institution of higher education. In addition to this, students are required to graduate high school on time, with a Regents diploma, and at least 24 transferable college credits. Due to the grant funding, the program is available at no cost to students. Upon being awarded the grant in June, the Solvay UFSD administration quickly got to work, spending the summer planning to get the program up and running.
 
After plenty of partnerships, coordination, and hard work, the program, now called “Solvay Success Academy,” launched for the 2018-19 school year.
 
“We are extremely fortunate to be able to offer the Solvay Success Academy program to our students,” said Solvay UFSD Superintendent Jay Tinklepaugh. “This opportunity, as well as the planning and partnerships with our community, is just another example of what makes Solvay special.”

Solvay Success Academy is open to Solvay High School students entering ninth grade. Students must apply in order to be accepted into the program. With this program, students are able earn 24 to 60 college credits during their four years at SHS. Students do this by taking classes at SHS that will earn them both high school credits and college credits from Onondaga Community College. Thanks to the grant funding, these classes are offered to students at no cost to them.
 
During their four years in the program, students are also introduced to the college-going culture, through a variety of afterschool activities and study sessions. This introduction is done in an effort to help students become more familiar with the college environment and culture. After four years, students are not only well prepared for college, but will have earned the chance at a degree of their choice in Computer Science, Engineering Science, or Math/Science from OCC.  
 
While Solvay Success Academy focuses on college classes, the program also encourages students to enjoy their time in high school. Solvay Success Academy allows students to participate in any extracurricular activities they may be interested in, such as band, chorus, drama, and athletics. This is one of the main objectives Solvay Success Academy Coordinator Keith Lasher focuses on during his time with students.

“High school only comes once in a lifetime and we want them to be high school students first,” said Solvay Success Academy Coordinator Keith Lasher. "This is just one of the many benefits for students in the Solvay Success Academy -- students shouldn't feel pressured. While there are high expectations related to college-level courses, this is still high school and we try our best to help teach our students the balance involved in that."
 
So far, the program has been a success. In November 2018, a total of 34 students were accepted into the Solvay Success Academy. A Welcome Night was held in early November, to celebrate the students who were accepted into the program. In early December, the group visited the OCC campus together for a welcome event.

“The Solvay Success Academy is advantageous to this group of freshman,” said Mr. Lasher. “Not only because it allows them to earn college credits in high school, but it also allows them to see what the expectations of college look like and how best to prepare for them.”
 
For more information about Solvay Success Academy, contact Solvay Success Academy Coordinator Keith Lasher or visit the Solvay Success Academy webpage.