What began in the fall of 2014 as an exciting opportunity for a small group of local high school students, has grown into a highly anticipated experience for Vermont seniors looking to pursue higher education following high school graduation, as the Castleton Early College Program continues to show exceptional growth and attract interest from a variety of in-state students.
The state funded academic program provides successful high school seniors with the opportunity to experience college courses before enrollment. The uniquely built program allows students to attend college for a full academic year at Castleton, tuition free, before graduating high school.
Jonathan Spiro, Dean of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Faculty Mentoring, said the program has been a huge success since its adoption last fall.
“The students themselves have benefited from being on our campus and earning a full year of college credit, but the university has also benefited enormously from their presence in our classes and in our clubs,” Spiro said.
Alyssa Eaton, an Early College Program student from Mill River High School, said the opportunity to get a jumpstart on her college career has proved extremely helpful in deciding her plans after graduation. Eaton explained she has been visiting Castleton University since second grade, making the school a perfect fit for her.
“It’s a really great environment here and I love that everyone is treated like a big family,” she said.
Throughout her short time on campus, Eaton has already built strong relationships with her professors and has become heavily involved in various organizations on campus, which she stated have made her transition from high school to college life seamless. She currently serves as a member of the Student Support Network and is actively involved in Peer Advocates for Change.
“I hope to enroll at Castleton as a full time student after graduation and continue my education,” said Eaton.
In 2014 the Early College Program began by welcoming six high school students to campus, and has now doubled to 12 in a single year, with hopes of continued growth in years to come.
Spiro credits the programs success largely to the parents and students who have decided to take advantage of the exclusive experience, as well as Castleton’s FYS and SOS students who have been both supportive and welcoming. Spiro added that it is opportunities such as these that allow young people to thrive.
“I hope the program continues to grow, as it offers to mature high school students numerous intellectual, social, and financial benefits,” Spiro said.