MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — Representatives from Penn State Harrisburg and Cecil College this week signed a new articulation agreement between the two institutions that allows a smooth transition for students enrolled in Cecil’s Early College Academy (ECA) programs to complete a four-year degree at Penn State Harrisburg.
The ECA program enrolls students in grades nine through 12. Successful students simultaneously complete the program with a high school diploma and an associate of arts degree in general studies from Cecil College. Cecil College currently has ECA programs running in the Oxford Area School District in Pennsylvania, Cecil County Public Schools in Maryland, and for local home-school families.
Penn State Harrisburg, located in Middletown, offers more than 65 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
“Cecil’s ECA program significantly reduces barriers to degree attainment, allowing students to successfully transition to four-year colleges and universities,” said Cecil College President Mary Way Bolt. "Partnering with Penn State ensures our ECA students will continue to benefit from the support and high academic standards that will allow them to own their future.”
This agreement provides a pathway for students who have successfully completed an associate of arts in general studies at Cecil College to transition to a baccalaureate degree program at Penn State Harrisburg. The agreement defines admission criteria and processes, course equivalencies, and academic advising services to support students in their transition from Cecil College to Penn State Harrisburg.
“We’re pleased to be partnering with Cecil College,” said Penn State Harrisburg Chancellor John M. Mason Jr. “The ECA is a unique program among institutions with which we have articulation agreements, allowing high school students to get a head start in their college education. I am impressed with the achievements of these students, and we look forward to welcoming them to Penn State Harrisburg. I am confident that they will become proud graduates of our bachelor’s degree programs, and that some may choose to continue on to our master’s programs as well.”
Successful ECA students who wish to attend Penn State Harrisburg must complete the admissions process, including an undergraduate admissions application, submission of all official transcripts, as well as official standardized test scores (ACT or SAT). The admissions application fee will be waived. Penn State Harrisburg will consider applicants as incoming first-year students with credit. Therefore, students must meet the college’s first-year admissions standards.
“Cecil College’s partnership with Penn State University is very welcome by the Oxford Area School District community,” said David Woods, superintendent of Oxford Area School District. “Each year, many graduating Oxford students seek admission to Penn State programming, and the addition of the agreement to the Early College Academy will enhance and promote student interest in attending this prestigious university in the heart of Pennsylvania.”
