Dual enrollment program at STCC helps student get accepted to Caltech

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – It’s never too early to start to think about how Springfield Technical Community College can transform your life.

When she was a freshman, Tigist Dawit Terefe thought about ways to get ahead at the High School of Science and Technology. A high-achieving student, she inquired about how to increase her course load.

“I went to my counselor,” said Terefe, a 17-year-old senior at Sci-Tech who was born in Ethiopia and moved to America when she was 6. “She told me I would qualify for something called dual enrollment. I was really interested. It was about taking college courses. I kind of needed that.”

Terefe eventually enrolled in “College Now,” the dual enrollment program at STCC that allows students from Sci-Tech and other Springfield high schools to apply to enroll in one free STCC credit course per semester. Dual enrollment not only helped her increase her course load, but it gave her free college credits. She completed a course in general psychology.

In the fall, she will attend the prestigious California Institute of Technology (Caltech) on a scholarship. Terefe said she will feel more prepared and confident at Caltech thanks in part to her dual enrollment experience at STCC.

As a high school student, she was initially nervous about attending class with older college students. The classes ended up being virtual, because of the pandemic. “I didn’t feel uncomfortable when I stepped into that (virtual) classroom. People were welcoming,” she said. “I was nervous for really no reason.”

She said her experience at STCC made her feel more confident in spaces with adults. Terefe also enjoyed the flexibility and support of her professor at STCC. If she was feeling overwhelmed or needed help, she would email her professor who would ask how to help and be accommodating.

College Now is one of several pre-college opportunities at STCC for students attending the High School of Science and Technology and other Springfield public schools. While College Now is open to Springfield public schools or Springfield public charter school students in grades 11 and 12, STCC also has programs for specific schools and communities. Early College Commerce allows students in grades 10 to 12 earn up to 20 credits in one of six different pathways programs. Post-grads who have completed their high school requirements can continue for another year and take up to 30 credits.

The Early College program is unique in that students are not charged for tuition, fees, books or supplies.  Early College Commerce also gives students access to a number of Workforce Development programs:  CNA, Phlebotomy, EMT and HVAC.  STCC also has a number of Innovation Pathways partnerships with area schools.  This includes The Springfield Conservatory of the Arts, Agawam High School and West Springfield High School.  Watch a video about Early College at STCC. Visit stcc.io/earlycollege.

Students can get a head start by earning college credits, acclimating themselves to our campus, and gaining invaluable experiences to prepare them for the college experience. Pamela Westmoreland, Director of Early College Initiatives at STCC.

“STCC tuition is completely free for these programs,” said Pamela Westmoreland, Director of Early College Initiatives at STCC. “Students can get a head start by earning college credits, acclimating themselves to our campus, and gaining invaluable experiences to prepare them for the college experience.  Most of our students are first-generation, low-income students and things such as ‘college speak’ are entirely new to them. Our early college initiatives allow students to take general education courses as well as technical courses. 

“We also have students from West Springfield and Commerce taking Honors level coursework at STCC,” Westmoreland added. “Students build confidence and get a taste of a real college classroom whether they are in-person or taking remote courses. They will be prepared when they graduate from high school and continue their educational journey.”

STCC describes programs such as College Now and other early college initiatives as a “smart start.” STCC also encourages students to consider Commonwealth Commitment, a statewide program that provides financial incentives to students who begin their higher education at STCC and then transfer to a Massachusetts public college or university, including the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

STCC participates in the MassTransfer Program with the Massachusetts public colleges and universities. This program guarantees participating students admission to the Massachusetts public institution of their choice, provided they graduate from an approved major at STCC with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher.

Moreover, STCC has entered into a number of tuition-saving transfer agreements with public and private colleges and universities.

Amy Quinlan, a counselor at Sci-Tech who recommended College Now for Terefe, strongly believes in the benefits of dual enrollment for all students who are interested.

“Dual enrollment courses enable students to build upon and further their academic and future interests while in high school,” Quinlan said. “I also love students to take dual enrollment courses during high school because the courses allow students to experience the rigor and expectations of a college course, and this first-hand experience is a great learning tool.”

Terefe, who looked back fondly at her dual enrollment experience, recently was recognized in the community for her accomplishments. The Springfield Museums’ African Hall Committee on Feb. 18 virtually presented her with the Ahadi Youth Award. The annual award goes to an African American youth demonstrating excellence in academics and community service.

Terefe noted that Ahadi is Swahili for “promise.” Terefe said she was surprised and thrilled to receive the award, and thanked Quinlan, who submitted her name for nomination.

In addition to the STCC dual enrollment program, Terefe attends the Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy for training as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

She also works part-time at the Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute as an intern in the cancer research lab. The work aligns with her goal of working in biomedical research in the future. Terefe participates in the Baystate Educational partnership.

She is one of the founders of the first-ever Springfield Leadership Advisory Council which will work to connect students of the Springfield public schools with leaders of the district. She participates in District Attorney Anthony Gullani’s Youth Advisory Board, among other community efforts.

Quinlan described Terefe as “a student and person who lights up a room.”

“Tigist is an amazing and well-rounded student and leader,” Quinlan said. “She has taken advantage of numerous opportunities offered to her to build upon her education and future interests. Tigist is a strong and motivated student and community member. The work Tigist has done will leave a lasting impact upon both the High School of Science and Technology and the greater Springfield Community. It will be amazing to follow her continued success."

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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