Windsor Central High School senior Kalista Holt wants to one day open her own hair salon. The first step, other than knowing people with hair, is to develop a head for business. That’s why she’s going to major in Marketing, Management, and Sales at SUNY Broome next year.
“I like how close it is and I like the community. There’s a variety of things I can do,” said Holt.
She took a big step Thursday by applying to SUNY Broome, and she isn’t alone. The entire WCHS Class of 2021 is being immediately admitted to SUNY Broome, thanks to the Windsor CSD/SUNY Broome College Express Partnership.
“It’s exciting. It’s nice. They’re helping me along with the admissions process because I didn’t know anything about it,” said Holt.
This is the second year of the College Express Partnership. Last year, Windsor Central High School’s Class of 2020 became the first full class in history to be immediately admitted to SUNY Broome. Whether students plan to attend SUNY Broome, have other post-high school plans, or are still uncertain, they will have the opportunity to attend their local community college following graduation.
“Windsor’s mission is to prepare our students to be future-ready. The College Express Partnership is a great option as they weigh their academic and professional choices after graduation. Last year’s inaugural College Express Partnership was a great success by showing how accessible higher education is to our students, and providing workshops that will help them in whatever avenue they choose. We look forward to the Class of 2021 reaping those same benefits,” said Dr. Jason Andrews, Superintendent of the Windsor Central School District.
While completing their senior year at WCHS, students can also engage in free “learning workshops,” regardless of whether they choose to attend SUNY Broome. Workshops will include such topics as scholarships, financial aid, advising, housing, placement assessment and more.
“Once again, 100% of a high school graduating class will have an established path to college – which is what makes the College Express Partnership so exceptional,” said SUNY Broome President Kevin E. Drumm. “This partnership exemplifies the community college mission: to make a high-quality, affordable college education accessible to everyone.”
“I’ve had a number of students go to SUNY Broome, go on to a four-year college, then come back to work in the community, and they really praise the education they got at SUNY Broome,” said Christina Taylor, the head of the WCHS Counseling Office.
With students attending WCHS in-person every other day, the College Express Partnership event is two days, November 19th and 20th, to accommodate all WCHS seniors.