Sussex Technical School District and Widener University announce new partnership

Sussex Technical School District, a public Career and Technical Education school district in Georgetown, and Widener University, a private, metropolitan university with its main campus in Chester, Pa., announced recently that they’ve entered into a partnership that will bring new higher education course offerings to high school students in Sussex County, central Delaware and the region.

Sussex Technical School District will be the sole-source provider for Widener University coursework in the region. Beginning in fall 2013, interested students will have the opportunity to enroll in and complete college courses during their junior and senior years of high school.

These dual-credit courses are fully accredited, and upon successful completion, students will be awarded both Sussex Technical High School and Widener University credits. Participating students can complete more than the first year of college requirements through this new arrangement. Upon graduation from high school, they can either apply to Widener University, where all courses are accepted, or transfer their credits to other institutions of higher learning depending upon that institution’s acceptance of the transferable credit.

This new collaboration between Sussex Technical School District and Widener University, known as the Early Career and College Partnership will help address two key issues for today’s high school students: college affordability and accessibility. It will allow students to complete significant credit hours at a reduced cost and encourage the pursuit of advanced certifications and degrees by giving them a head start.

“We believe that we’ve come up with an innovative approach to help make college more affordable and accessible to all students and that the sustainability of our universities will require continuous innovation,” said Dr. Brenda Gilio, acting dean of the Widener University School of Innovation, Education and Continuing Studies. “Partnerships will play an integral role in these efforts and help shape the future higher education landscape.”

Sussex Technical School District anticipates that the Early Career and College Partnership with Widener University will also contribute to the economic vitality of Sussex County. “The partnership has the potential to create jobs, to attract individuals and businesses to the region by supplying viable educational choices and to develop a highly skilled workforce ready for employment in high-demand careers,” said Dr. Michael R. Owens, director of extended learning for Sussex Technical School District.

Work is under way to develop a core of offerings that could be extended to neighboring high school students who may wish to take college courses through Widener University as coordinated and administered by Sussex Technical School District's Extended Learning & Adult Division. Initially, coursework will be available online or at Sussex Technical School District's main campus.

Dr. David Ring, Delmar School District superintendent, and Dr. Deborah Zych,  Polytech School District superintendent, were on hand as their respective districts are the first to commit to partnerships with Sussex Technical School District to offer Widener University courses.

“By entering into this partnership with Widener and offering access to students of neighboring high schools, Sussex Technical School District is once again demonstrating its commitment to the concept of shared and consolidated services, thus maximizing value for the community,” Owens said.

Recognizing the significance of the Sussex Technical School District-Widener University partnership, U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper and U.S. Sen. Christopher A. Coons took part in the Nov. 2 announcement to publicly show their support of the endeavor.

“Our high school students are facing rapidly rising tuition costs, making college increasingly difficult to afford,” said Carper (D-Del.). “Partnerships like this one between Widener University and Sussex Tech are tackling this problem head on. This partnership will give students the chance to take advanced classes for college credit while getting a jump start on college for a much lower cost. That’s a win-win for students.”

“In order for our children be able to compete in the 21st century global economy, they must be given opportunities to access higher education,” Coons said. “This partnership between Sussex Technical School District and Widener University presents a life-changing opportunity for students to graduate high school with up to 30 college credits under their belt. I am excited to follow this program in the years ahead, and I look forward to hearing success stories from students who take advantage of this exciting partnership.”

Rebecca Taber, policy adviser for Gov. Jack Markell's office, was in attendance and offered a quote from Markell:

“Congratulations on helping to better prepare students for their futures,” said Markell. “When high school students enroll in college-level coursework, they are more likely to later enroll in and complete college and get a job. Initiatives like this help ready our students for both academic and career success.”

"This is a phenomenal opportunity for the students, citizens, county, state and region. We at Sussex Technical School District are proud to offer these opportunities in direct collaboration with such a prestigious institution as Widener University. Both nationally recognized institutions are committed to serving the region with additional opportunities that may include: certifications, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctoral degrees," said Dr. AJ Lathbury, Sussex Technical School District superintendent.

For more information about the Early Career and College Partnership, contact Dr. Michael R. Owens at 302-856-9035.

Sussex Technical High School is a two-time Blue Ribbon National School of Excellence and provides a unique, focused and rigorous educational program for each student. Sussex Tech Adult Division has been serving businesses and industries in the region for more than 20 years and currently serves more than 3,000 students. The campus is at 17099 County Seat Highway, Georgetown. Mailing address is PO Box 351 Georgetown, DE 19947. Go to www.sussexvt.k12.de.us for information.

Widener University is a private, metropolitan university that connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Go to www.widener.edu for more information.