Housing, Renewable Scholarships & Success Coaching Now Guaranteed For Qualified Delaware County Community College Students at West Chester University
(Delaware & Chester Counties, PA • November 13, 2020)—On November 17, at 10 a.m., the presidents of West Chester University and Delaware County Community College will come together with their students in a virtual ceremony to officially sign an enhanced dual admission agreement between the two institutions that provides increased access to students amidst an unyielding pandemic that is prompting great need. The enhanced agreement now enables qualified, enrolled Delaware County Community College students to earn an associate degree and then seamlessly transfer to West Chester University in their major along with guaranteed housing, a renewable scholarship, and success coaching.
In addition to West Chester University President Dr. Christopher Fiorentino and Delaware County Community College President Dr. L. Joy Gates Black, the virtual ceremony will feature inspirational messages from two students. Speaking on behalf of West Chester University will be WCU student Frederick Shegog of Drexel Hill, who transferred to the University from the College, and who openly shares his motivational story of student success following a decade of substance abuse and time spent homeless. Also, Delaware County Community College’s 2020 Commencement speaker, and now WCU student, Meredith Adams of Radnor, will talk about the path she has intentionally taken to secure two post-secondary degrees.
Through the enhanced agreement, participating students who complete their associate degree at Delaware County Community College are eligible for more than 20 associate degree programs that will transfer into parallel programs at West Chester University.
While at Delaware County Community College students will experience diverse learning environments, small class sizes and relationships with faculty who are focused on students’ success. Upon transferring to West Chester University, students are eligible for guaranteed admission, on-campus housing and a renewable scholarship award. While at both institutions, students will receive support with financial advising, tutoring, and academic success coaching. High school seniors from Delaware and Chester Counties as well as eligible, currently enrolled qualified Delaware County Community College students will receive a joint invitation from the presidents of the College and the University to participate in the enhanced dual admission program.
“At Delaware County Community College students will have the opportunity to learn from exceptional professors in a dynamic and engaging environment, and when they complete their associate degree they will be well prepared for the next step in their educational journey. This agreement ensures affordable access to the quality educational programs offered at both Delaware County Community College and West Chester University. We understand the needs of our community and we are committed to collectively meeting those needs,” said Delaware County Community College President L. Joy Gates Black.
“This program is truly unique to West Chester University and complements a number of collaborations that we have established with Delaware County Community College in an effort to benefit aspiring students who desire a direct path to the University following the successful completion of their associate degrees,” said West Chester University President Christopher Fiorentino. “Our community of educators is deeply committed to supporting neighboring students from Chester and Delaware Counties as they hone their skills while mapping an intentional path to West Chester University. We are here to help in whatever way we can.”
Eligible students must receive their associate degree and meet all University degree, major and grade point average requirements. The University’s Biomedical Engineering, Social Work, Exploratory Studies, Sports Medicine and traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) major programs are not part of this new enhanced dual admission agreement. Students interested in nursing should check into the RN-BSN pathway from Delaware County Community College to West Chester University outlined in the RN-BSN Concurrent Enrollment Agreement.
