New program will bring new opportunities for students
By Lauren Parker- Gill, News Editor, The Times
Coatesville Senior High School principal spoke to 11th and 12 the graders Wednesday to announce a partnership between the district, Wells Fargo and West Chester University.
CALN – The Coatesville Area School District has embarked on an exciting partnership with Wells Fargo and West Chester University that will provide fifth-grade students throughout the district and upper classmen at the high school campus with new opportunities.
“Partnerships and friendships are what make communities strong,” said Coatesville Area Senior High School principal Michele Snyder to the students at the kick off assembly Wednesday. “We’re here today to celebrate a new partnership between our school district, Wells Fargo Bank and West Chester University.
West Chester University will be providing fifth-grade teachers with Frederick Douglass reading/writing curriculum to use with their students and providing tutors to the 11th and 12th-grade students for an after school program through the Frederick Douglass Institute.
With a planned ratio of 10 students per tutor, students will participate in college prep workshops, where they will learn how to prepare for the SATs, apply to college and write college essays
Five seniors, who participate in the program and have already been accepted to WCU, will be chosen to also participate in a summer bridg program,that will be fully funded by Wells Fargo. Students will live on campus for five weeks and take two college courses. These students will also receive scholarship money for college for four years: $2750 for their education and $1,100 for their housing
WCU interim president Dr. Christopher Fiorentino addressed the students and explained the partnership with WCU and Wells Fargo.
Dr. Christopher M. Fiorentino, interim president of West Chester University spoke of Dr. Frederick Douglass, who was a former slave, that became an author and a statesman. The Frederick Douglass Institute strives to provide excellence in scholarship, research teaching and institutional advancement through awarding scholarship money for students in the area.
“Just like Frederick Douglass, we believe that education is the cornerstone of success.” Fiorentino said as he addressed the students.
Following the assembly, a pep rally was held, with the Coatesville Red Raiders, cheerleaders, band members and WCU mascot the Ram to celebrate the new partnership together
