Page 9 - New York Statewide Smart Scholars Overview and Profiles

A History of the Albany High School Smart Scholars Program

Our Smart Scholars can take up to 24 college credits over a two year period of time. Juniors take
Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) courses at Albany High School and our seniors take
four courses on the HVCC campus. In 11th grade, students take a college-level math, dependent
upon readiness, U.S. History, and Journalism. In 12th grade, students take English Composition I
and II, Psychology and Sociology.

AVID (Advancement Vtia Individual Determination) is a college and career readiness approach
that supports are Smart Scholars program. During the 2013-2014 school year, we instituted an
intensive recruiting process for current 8th graders to better ensure that determined students are in
the program to receive the support they need to be successful college in the high school students
when they get to 11th grade. A team of professionals interview between 75-100 8th grade students
recommended by middle school counselors each winter. This group of candidates typically have
low or average test scores, 70%-85% GPA, college potential with support, desire to do well, and
determination. This process began in January of 2014 and continues to help us select students
who will make the best students for Smart Scholars.

Our first cohort of 13 Smart Scholars all graduated with their class in June of 2014. All 13 of those
Smart Scholar seniors were accepted and enrolled into colleges for the fall of 2014 ranging from
Albany College of Pharmacy to Utica College to Hudson Valley Community College. These
students worked hard and did relatively well in our fledgling program. We have learned from this
pioneer effort to make sure that we provide enough support for the students to be successful in the
college classes.

To help our 9th grade students prepare for each upcoming year, we offer a Summer Bridge
program through SUNY Albany (UAlbany). These students attend a day program at UAlbany for 3
weeks to get a real college experience and get ready for what is in store for them academically in
9th grade. 25-30 of our AVID students participate each summer.