Johnson State College has teamed with Community College of Vermont and the Boys and Girls Club of Burlington on a “Club to College Scholars” program to make educational achievement a realizable goal for a cohort of young Vermonters.

The agreement was announced at a joint press conference on March 5 featuring Johnson State President Barbara E. Murphy, CCV President Joyce Judy, Boys and Girls Club of Burlington Director Mary Alice McKenzie and Vermont Secretary of Education Rebecca Holcombe. The press conference was held at the club’s main site in Burlington’s Old North End, followed by a “sugar on snow” party for the children, with maple syrup donated and served by the Howrigan Family Farm of Fairfield.

The new partnership extends the Boys and Girls Club’s “Early Promise Program,” which provides intensive academic support to eligible club members who are committed to succeeding in post-secondary education. The program requires club members to set educational goals both at school and at the club.

The “Club to College Scholars” program will allow club members who meet these goals to enroll in a certificate or associate degree program at CCV and, after meeting academic requirements, to matriculate in a bachelor’s degree program at JSC.

“We are so pleased to launch this new partnership with the Boys and Girls Club and Johnson State College, because ensuring that young Vermonters are aware of their opportunities for higher education is a core component of CCV’s priorities,” Judy said. “But this is also an agreement that will ultimately strengthen Vermont by providing a clear pathway for club members to earn a college degree right here in the state at the most affordable price available. This really is a great opportunity for students, a great agreement for our institutions to be part of, and a great success for the state of Vermont.”

Murphy noted that “having Johnson State College as a third partner allows young, college-bound learners to set goals in achievable phases, to grow with their goals and make their dreams a practical reality.”

Under the program, JSC will provide Boys and Girls Club participants with opportunities to visit and tour campus and sit in on classes. The college will host annual activities to familiarize Boys and Girls Club members with the campus and academic programs and will connect them with JSC student mentors and alumni. In addition, JSC student life, athletic, career development and financial aid staff will be available to assist participants with life and financial planning.

“We’re delighted to enter into this partnership,” said Penny Howrigan, associate dean of enrollment services at Johnson State. “In the past we’ve have hosted group visits from the club, and each fall we participate in the club’s college fair. This program formalizes our relationship and helps students make a seamless transition from CCV to JSC.”

JSC also will offer financial assistance. Under the agreement, students who enter JSC as “Club to College” scholars will obtain scholarship support, making tuition costs the same as those at CCV. In addition, the Boys and Girls Club will provide opportunities for need-based scholarships to assist with the cost of fees, room and board.

Among the additional provisions announced under the agreement:

The Boys and Girls Club will offer individualized academic support plans, technological support, post-secondary goal setting and scholarship support.

Club members may take “Introduction to College Studies” and two free “Dual Enrollment” classes at CCV while still in high school.

Club members who graduate from high school or attain a GED credential may enroll in a certificate or associate degree program at CCV. The college will provide new student orientation, individualized academic advising, and support through the academic learning center.

As an incentive to encourage students to complete their CCV certificates or associate degrees, club members will receive a $250 Club to College Incentive Scholarship after successfully completing their 15, 30, and 45 credits and maintaining a minimum 2.5 grade-point average. To receive the scholarship, they must continue to enroll and progress in their academic program.