Questar III and HVCC STEM High School

Description

The Questar III & HVCC STEM High School is an early college high school program on the Hudson Valley Community College campus. It combines the best aspects of high school, college learning, and partnerships with local businesses aligned with students' career pathways—all at no cost to families. Students focus on gaining the knowledge and skills needed for careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). This program gives students a head start toward earning their college degree or pathway certificate in a STEM-related field.

STEM High School includes access to all academic supports, social activities, and college coursework planning provided by HVCC. Students receive free breakfast and lunch, tuition, books, supplies, field trips, and access to in-house high school and college planning support.

About P-TECH and SS-ECHS

STEM High School is partially funded by two New York State Educational Grants: Pathways in Technology (P-TECH) and Smart Scholars Early College High School (SS-ECHS). Both grants enable students to work toward an associate degree in a STEM field while simultaneously completing their courses to earn a high school degree.

P-TECH

Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) provides students with an integrated high school and college curriculum, industry mentoring, and workplace experiences aligned with STEM career pathways.

• A rigorous, relevant, and cost-free curriculum that focuses on the knowledge and skills students need to complete an HVCC Associates degree.
• Workplace learning that includes ongoing mentoring by professionals in the chosen career sector, worksite visits, speakers, and internships.
• Individualized academic support provided by secondary education teachers and college faculty that enables students to progress through the program at their own pace.

SS-ECHS 4-Year Curriculum

The Smart Scholars Early College High School Program partners institutions of higher education (IHEs) with public school districts to create early college high schools where students can accelerate their high school studies. Students in this program at STEM High School receive the following:

• 4-year curriculum
• 24-60 transferrable college credits
• Additional academic support to prepare students for participation in rigorous high school and collegiate courses