Local high school students can accelerate their academic journey through St. Bonaventure University’s Early College Access programs, which allow them to earn affordable college credits while gaining real-world academic experience.
Local high school students can accelerate their academic journey through St. Bonaventure University’s Early College Access programs, which allow them to earn affordable college credits while gaining real-world academic experience.
Since 2017, St. Bonaventure has offered dual enrollment courses, pairing university faculty with qualified local high school instructors to ensure rigorous, relevant coursework that prepares students for future success.
“At St. Bonaventure, we are dedicated to making college more accessible and preparing students for success beyond high school,” said Xiao-Ning Zhang, Ph.D., program coordinator, Biology professor and director of the Biochemistry program at
St. Bonaventure. “Our expanding dual enrollment offerings allow more students to gain valuable college experience while still in high school, giving them a head start in their academic journey.”
All courses in the program meet the New York State requirement for the Early Access CoSer via CABOCES, further increasing accessibility for students.
High school students can choose from a range of college-level courses, spanning STEM, health sciences and the humanities, including:
- Introduction to Biotechnology & Laboratory (BIO 135 & BIOL 135, 4 credits, Olean) – Explore biotechnology’s role in society through scientific investigation and critical analysis.
- Computer Science I & II and Laboratory (CS 131 & CSL 131 / CS 132 & CSL 132, 4 credits, Portville & Scio) – Learn Java programming, software design and problem-solving strategies in this two-course
sequence.
- Precalculus (MATH 108, 3 credits, Scio) – Strengthen algebra, trigonometry and analytic geometry skills to prepare for calculus and higher-level math courses.
- Calculus I & II (MATH 151 & 152, 4 credits each, Scio) – Study foundational and advanced calculus concepts, including derivatives, integrals, sequences and series.
- American Politics (POLS102, 3 credits, Olean) – Examine the intersection of politics, economics and social structures, with a focus on democracy and human rights.
- Health-Related Fitness & Wellness (HS 107, 3 credits, Olean) – Gain insight into fitness principles, health assessments and nutrition trends for personal well-being.
A second part of the Early College Access program, Giant Step, offers qualified local secondary school students the opportunity to take regular St. Bonaventure classes on campus and receive transcripts for their work.
“I am grateful to Dr. Zhang and our faculty for delivering high-quality early-access college courses that uphold St. Bonaventure’s strong educational reputation,” said Dr. David Hilmey, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.
“We aim to equip regional students for college success with valuable degree credits.”
Enrolling in these Early College Access programs allows high school students to start their college experience while still in high school. Benefits include strengthening college applications and building critical thinking, time management and study skills.
Current partner school districts, including Olean, Portville and Scio, commend St. Bonaventure’s program for its exceptional support and academic rigor. They emphasize the program’s ability to provide students with challenging opportunities
and valuable college preparation within their local communities.
St. Bonaventure is actively seeking new partnerships with high schools to collaborate on existing and new dual enrollment opportunities.
“We’re looking forward to partnering with more high schools to expand access to college-level learning,” Zhang said. “By working together, we can provide students with high-quality education and help schools strengthen their academic
offerings.”
High school teachers and administrators interested in offering St. Bonaventure dual enrollment courses are encouraged to contact Zhang at xzhang@sbu.edu.