Reprinted from the 2015 Worcester State University President's Report
"For the past 10 years, Worcester State has hosted a group of South High School students in an after-school program intended to inspire and prepare them for college and beyond. The Collegiate Success Institute (CSI) helps students who have been identified as having strong academic potential—but maybe not college aspirations—by teaching them about the college search process, the college experience, and career opportunities beyond college.
"Organized by Massachusetts Education and Career Opportunities, Inc. (MassEdCO), CSI is a joint effort among the Worcester Public Schools, local higher education institutions, and the business community. Worcester State was the first local college to join the program and has hosted more than 130 students since 2006, some of whom have enrolled at WSU.
"Volunteers from WSU’s business partner, Unum, teach the CSI students about financial literacy and workforce readiness. Faculty, staff, and student leaders from WSU coordinate admissions and financial aid workshops, and share information on residential life, clubs and activities, and academic majors.
"Two WSU students in the learning community CLEWS (Community Leadership Experience at Worcester State), Jessica Lloyd ’19 and Lancy Desir ’19, are the group’s leaders while they are on campus. The South High students attend CSI during the spring semester of their junior year and the fall semester of their senior year and all participants attend a graduation ceremony at the end of the program.
"Citywide, of the 74 students who participated in CSI in 2014, 96% graduated from high school the following June and 96% enrolled in a postsecondary institution."