a morning class. You’re scheduled for two periods typically, and twice a week. I took Psychology, History, Speech, and English 101 and 102. You can take two classes per semester.” In addition to earning college credits while still in high school, STATE has implemented the WVSU Loyalty Program for students in the Yellow Jacket Connection early enrollment program. Those who complete six credit hours and enroll at STATE as a first-time, full-time freshman will have their tuition frozen for four years. NiCole Smith, who is now a sophomore at STATE majoring in criminal justice, also participated in the early enrollment program while in high school. In addition, NiCole participated in the Upward Bound program, which helped prepare her not only for college classes, but for life. “Before Upward Bound I was very quiet, I always stayed to myself,” NiCole said. “It helped me to gain a family and lifelong friends. Also, I gained a lifelong mentor, somebody who is always going to be there, (former Upward Bound Director) Barbara Cary.” Upward Bound is a federally funded program designed to identify and provide services for first-generation college bound high school students. Upward Bound exposes participants to academic, cultural, social and recreational activities. These experiences can help a student become successful in postsecondary education and beyond. During the regular school year Upward Bound students meet two Saturdays a month to take supplemental classes that help them increase their skills in math, English, history and science. Students also have access to free tutoring weekly. In the summer, Upward Bound students attend a six-week residential program on the WVSU campus designed to give them a head start on their next year in school. Michaela Torrian, a junior majoring in criminal justice, also participated in the Upward Bound and early enrollment programs before coming to STATE. She said the combination
of the two programs made her a better college student. “I came from a single parent home, and I never thought of college being an option,” Michaela said. “It helped me to see what my true potential was. When I was in high school, I didn’t have that many friends. So with the extra support system and the nurturing environment in the Upward Bound program, it really helped me.” In addition to the Upward Bound and early enrollment programs, there is another program that the University offers in conjunction with Kanawha County Schools that brings students to campus to study. The University Collaborative Program brings high school students, who require additional support to graduate, to campus to study and take dual credit classes. Jerome Willis finished his high school education through the collaborative program in 2009, and said that the program really opened his eyes to the possibility of going on to a college education. “The biggest thing is that it shows you college isn’t that scary,” said Jerome, who went on to finish his degree in criminal justice graduating from STATE in 2016. “It’s a great opportunity and high school isn’t for everybody. If you know what you want to do it definitely gives you a head start on your English, math and science, and you can pick electives too. If you’re self-motivated, it sets you up to succeed and graduate from the University sooner.”
Jerome Willis
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