SHU Nets State Grant to Offer College Courses to Teens

Taking college-level courses prepares high school students for post-secondary education

Sacred Heart University recently secured a $154,000 grant from the Connecticut State Department of Education to increase opportunities for high school students to take college-level classes.  

The funding helps SHU offer more dual credit courses, which enable high school students to earn high school and college credit, experience faculty-approved classes, explore career paths and begin their college experience sooner. The grant also equips Sacred Heart to support and work in tandem with multiple school districts around the state, creating lasting partnerships that will further the University’s standing in the community. 

SHU is committed to being a pioneer for diversity and inclusion. According to the U.S. Department of Education, taking college-level courses is a major benefit to high school students, which include positive impacts on students’ academic achievement in high school and increasing college access and enrollment. With the grant, SHU aims to expand access and bridge opportunity gaps to higher education. “By reducing barriers, SHU hopes to provide the resources, guidance and support needed for students to thrive academically,” Lisa Cullington, associate provost for academic programs.  

In this way, the grant strengthens the University’s Early College Experience (ECE) program. The funds will also see high school students invited to SHU to use its state-of-the-art equipment and facilities in areas such as nursing and engineering.  

Cullington said the grant serves a vital purpose. “This funding directly connects with our University’s mission to lead and support inclusion efforts within our local community and in the State of Connecticut,” she said. 

The grant will provide resources for SHU’s continuing efforts to make a positive impact on local education, added Michaela Rome, vice provost for institutional effectiveness. “The opportunity to earn college credits has become a priority for many high schools,” Rome said. “Sacred Heart is grateful for these grant funds, which will enhance our ability to support and expand SHU’s ECE opportunities in Connecticut high schools. Additionally, we are especially proud to offer tuition waivers for eligible students, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent anyone from participating in our ECE program.”