Early College Program Orientation Draws over 100 High School students to QCC Campus

Over 100 Worcester public high school seniors and juniors converged on Quinsigamond Community College’s main campus on August 29 to participate in an Early College Program Orientation. The Early College Program is a collaborative effort with QCC, Worcester Public Schools and Worcester State University to establish college pathways for high school students in all seven Worcester high schools.

QCC President Luis Pedraja welcomed the students at the Harrington Learning Center and Christina Hebert, Director of Educational Partnerships and Early College Initiatives provided the students with information on the advantages of participating in the Worcester Early College Program.

Students learned about course information, including attendance requirements, withdrawals, grades and homework. They were given information on support services such as English Language Learner (ELL) classes, tutoring and mentoring and received a campus tour given by QCC guides and student mentors.

“I had the privilege of interacting with the students during the Orientation and was so impressed not only with their enthusiasm; but also with the resourceful questions they asked about the Early College Program,” Ms. Hebert said. “The energy in the room was tremendous. At one point, they began cheering when they were told about getting a ‘jump start’ on attending college by participating in the program.”