Casco Bay Students Take College Courses
More than 40 percent of the juniors at Casco Bay High School in Portland are taking college courses on topics ranging from oceanography to American Sign Language and business this semester through a new Casco Bay program called U. Start Ahead.
“We are committed to providing early college experiences for all Casco Bay students,” said Principal Derek Pierce. Students who successfully complete college courses receive both high school and college credit. Pierce cited research by Dr. Lynne Miller, an education professor at the University of Southern Maine (USM), showing that college freshmen who arrive on campus with three to six credits are more likely to earn their degrees on time.
A college-level “Introduction to Business” course taught by a Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) professor will be offered this fall on the Casco Bay campus. Tuition is free.
Kevin Kirby, a Casco Bay junior, enrolled in the class. “At some point in my life, I am going to go into business, so I wanted to take advantage of this opportunity,” Kirby said.
Nearly 20 other Casco Bay students are taking USM classes tuition-free, under an arrangement between the university and the high school. A similar number of Casco Bay students are expected sign up for USM courses next semester. The goal is for every Casco Bay student to have the opportunity to earn college credit before graduating.
“I wanted to see what college was like, and I felt ready for the challenge,” said Chaney Burlin, a junior, who signed up for an “Introduction of Sociology” course. “It is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about a field I may want to pursue as a career.”
SMCC’s Office of School-College Partnerships approached Casco Bay High School with the idea of offering a course. Business was chosen as the subject because it is relevant, matches the school’s expeditionary approach and would likely appeal to students, said Pierce.
Robert Chiozzi, an SMCC adjunct business professor, will travel to Casco Bay High School every Wednesday beginning on Oct. 3 and teach for a 2 ½-hour block. Topics covered will include understanding the role of business in society, developing a sense of negotiation and recognizing how science, engineering and technology contribute to business success.
The Casco Bay course is part of an SMCC pilot program designed to give more students early college opportunities with the aim of increasing the number who pursue higher education, said Susan Williams, SMCC’s director of School-College Partnerships. The college also is offering an early childhood education class at Portland Arts and Technology High School as well as courses at two other high schools in the area.
“We are thrilled that so many of our juniors are ready and willing to do college work,” said Pierce, Casco Bay’s principal. “We expect the early college experiences will both enlighten and empower students in their final years of high school.”
