
ANSONIA – The number of college and career opportunities for Ansonia High School students has increased significantly in the past year, with two additional agreements signed in the past month alone. Those new agreements, with Post University and the University of New Haven, were announced just days ago by AHS Principal Paul Giansanti and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph DiBacco.
The University of New Haven is offering a minimum merit-based scholarship of $18,000-$20,000 per year based on admissions criteria; one free course at UNH for AHS seniors; and a 25% cost reduction for a UNH Summer Academy. The agreement takes effect immediately and is currently open to AHS students.
The second agreement, signed on Dec. 13, is for a new Criminal Justice/Emergency Management & Homeland Security Track with Post University. This new track, which requires students to take specific courses starting in their sophomore year, will result in 15 earned college credits to be used toward a double major in Criminal Justice and Emergency Management & Homeland Security at Post University.
These two agreements join several approved last year and the list now includes the following:
“This is incredible,” said Dr. DiBacco. “We are expanding our college tracks and career opportunities for Ansonia students, and there is more to come. Our goal is to provide as many choices to our students as possible. These agreements are what sets us apart from other high schools.”
The opportunities translate to significant savings for students and their families. Four students who are currently enrolled in at least two UB courses spoke about why they are taking advantage of these new courses in Political Science, Honors College Writing, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Foundations of Business or Advanced Computer Concepts.
Joe Cortez, a senior, said the UB credit was the spark that encouraged him to take two UB courses this year. He has applied to eight colleges, including UB, and plans to major in math and/or secondary education, leading to a career as a high school math teacher. Jere Mae Pintacasi, who has applied to six schools, wants to be a nurse and may minor in political science in college. Like Joe, she participated in an Onsite Decision Day at AHS on Dec. 12, where she applied to UB and was accepted.
She said she was offered a $20,000 scholarship and a possible grant of $5,000-$10,000. Mikayla Godfrey, who was also accepted to UB in last week’s Onsite Decision Day, is considering a career in psychology or physical therapy. She is also waiting to hear back from several other colleges, but is excited to have early acceptance at UB. Michael Szewczyk, a junior, is currently taking three UB courses in order to secure college credit now. He said whatever grade he receives in his course will be the grade that is reflected on his college transcript for UB.
Wendy Chin, one of Ansonia High’s counselors, announced the results of the On Site Decision Day that the AHS guidance department hosted on Dec. 12. Representatives from King’s College, SCSU, UB, UNH, Western New England University and Western Connecticut State University participated, and 27 seniors had their paperwork ready in order to meet with college representatives and go through the application process. The event netted 56 admissions and an award of $602,000 in scholarship funds.
“We couldn’t be more proud of our students,” said Mr. Giansanti, who has been instrumental in securing several of the new programs. He credited a number of colleagues with opening new doors for Ansonia students and also hinted at several more agreements that are on the horizon. “They are taking advantage of these incredible opportunities, and I know their parents and guardians join me in thanking these colleges, university and corporations for forming partnerships with AHS.”