Through its partnership with Middlesex Community College, Lowell High School (LHS) students understand the value of starting college early. On Thursday, February 1, concurrently enrolled Lowell High School juniors and seniors in MCC’s Early College Lowell program visited MCC’s Lowell Campus.
“This was a unique opportunity to welcome amazing students from Lowell High School,” said Russell Olwell, Dean of Education & K-16 Partnerships. “These students are talented, and many have already earned college credits through the Early College Lowell program. We were also able to talk to them about what MCC has to offer, including our Early College Promise program that provides up to 50 Early College Lowell alumni with a full year of free coursework at MCC, as well as academic and other support.”
As part of the Early College Program, the LHS students have the opportunity to take psychology, sociology and education classes through MCC. Since they attend classes in their high school, the purpose of the visit helped connect students with the college so they can gain familiarity with its environment. This opportunity came with a campus tour of areas including the bookstore and library where students gain access to supplies or materials needed for their classes.
“These students are talented, and many have already earned college credits through the Early College Lowell program. We were also able to talk to them about what MCC has to offer, including our Early College Promise program that provides up to 50 Early College Lowell alumni with a full year of free coursework at MCC, as well as academic and other support.” - Russell Olwell, MCC's Dean of Education & K-16 Partnerships
The students also learned about MCC’s various resources and opportunities such as tutoring, advising and the SUCCESS Scholars Program through group sessions. Each session also allowed students to obtain some information and guidance from MCC staff and students about the college experience.
“I love to see the looks on the students’ faces when they walk into some of our spaces like the library or tutoring center, and learn that they could be using those resources right now,” said Kristie Faletra, Assistant Director of Admissions. “I want them to understand that, as part of the MCC family, it will be a seamless transition if they decide to continue with us after graduation and complete their associate’s degree.”
Students got the chance to take a break on campus to have lunch and reflect on the experience. “After high school if you are unsure about what you want to do, you can come to Middlesex, get your associate and transfer, with the help of the counselors, to a four-year college,” said Erin, a student taking MCC sociology and English composition courses.
“There are a lot of programs for students that they can work in and also earn money from while also helping other students at the college and I thought that was a really good opportunity,” said Diana, a student taking MCC public speaking and sociology courses.
“I knew that MCC was a smaller and more affordable school, but I didn’t know that they had a second campus,” said Kendrick, a student taking an MCC psychology course. “They are a good option coming out of high school, and after today I am definitely thinking about at least looking at the associate’s degree programs and transferring here.”
As the students finished their lunch, they all gathered once more to review the day’s activities and were greeted by Phil Sisson, MCC’s President, before they left.
“It was a great opportunity today to welcome our Lowell High School students who are a part of Early College Lowell,” Sisson said. “At this event, there was lots of energy and opportunity for them to get to know the college, its support services and meet the team so as the students make a decision about what their next step is, they know there is a home for them at MCC. We appreciate them for coming by and spending time to know MCC better.”