- – - - High school students aren’t just visiting KU’s campus – they’re getting a yearlong look at what it’s like to be a Golden Bear. From taking college courses in Beekey’s lecture halls, to developing impactful friendships, Kutztown University’s Early College Academy gives high school seniors the opportunity to experience college life for the frst time. Launched in 2024, the dual enrollment program allows high school students to take four college courses on KU’s campus – two in the fall semester and two in the spring. Te program carefully steps the students into the college experience and supports their successful transition. By the end of the academic year, the students have earned 12 credits, or the equivalent of one college semester, and those credits count toward earning a bachelor’s degree in education. “We work hard to create a sense of com munity among the students. Teir courses are intentionally designed to be more than college credits – they are structured to give students a sense of belonging here before they’re even enrolled,” says dean of the College of Educa tion, who is spearheading the program. Kutztown recently received a $946,951 grant from the state’s Department of Education to support its Dual Credit Innovation program. Te funding strengthens scholarships and programming for the Early College Academy, aiming to address the state’s teacher shortage. “Tis grant lets us expand access and providefnancial support so students can thrive and ultimately join the teaching profession,” Burns says. “We’re seeing stu dents who might not have seen themselves in college realize they belong here and are thriving. Tat’s the heart of this program.” With growing participation, grant support and student success, KU’s Early College Academy lights the way for the next gener ation of learners. a recent grad uate of Fleetwood Area High School and an incoming Golden Bear, frst discovered the Early College Academy through an advisor and attended the program’s open house in spring 2024. A year later, she completed the Early College Academy and began her KU journey as an elementary education major, Pre K 4. “I’m so grateful for this amazing oppor tunity,” she says. “I’m more ready for college now than if I hadn’t done the Early College Academy. My courses taught me so much about managing my time and how to priori tize my schoolwork while still being in high school.” Geschwindt says the program was the perfect opportunity to get ahead on her college credits while forming invaluable connections with other students. “And if you do choose to go to Kutztown after the program, it’s even better. Because we’re already a family here,” she says. For a recent graduate of Schuylkill Valley High School, the program was eye opening. “I fell in love with the program right away,” he says. “After spending an entire year at Kutztown, it made me want to go there more. Honestly, I love the campus. It’s my favorite campus that I’ve ever seen.” Witters frst heard about the Early College Academy through his high school teachers. “My teachers asked me if I was interested in becoming a teacher and that resonated with me,” he says. Now, he is entering his frst year as an ele mentary education major (grades 4 8) with a focus in math and social studies and a dual certifcation in special education. EARLY START, GOLDEN FUTURE HOW KU’S EARLY COLLEGE ACADEMY BUILDS CONFIDENCE AND CREDITS BY ASH NAVE ’17 Dr. Rebecca West Burns, Boost from the Commonwealth EARLY RESULTS There were 39 students from 14 school districts in the first Early College Academy cohort in the 2024–25 academic year. ECA retention and 95% graduation rate committed 60% to enroll applied 81% to KU Average high school GPA 3.51 KU is expanding the program to include two tracks: Education and General Studies, with 72 students in Fall 2025—an 84% increase from the inaugural cohort. Sienna Geschwindt, Charles Witters, For more information about the ECA, visit: www.kutztown.edu/ EarlyCollegeAcademy FALL 2025 | TOWER 21
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