The program will allow students to earn an engineering degree in only three years
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Bristol Community College, and Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to launch the College Access Pathway (CAP) in Engineering that allows students to work toward a college degree while completing their high school’s academic requirements for graduation simultaneously.
By completing the College Access Pathway (CAP), following their traditional 4-year high school education and graduation, students will earn their bachelor’s degree in engineering in only three additional years. Students who complete the program with a bachelors in engineering from UMassD will see a cost savings of $22,824.
“This program responds to the high need for engineers in this area and provides many first-generation college students with a lower cost option of gaining a bachelor‘s degree. The salaries and career opportunities that come with this degree will only further our work of creating a college-going culture in Bristol County,” said Laura L. Douglas, Ph.D., President, Bristol Community College. “At Bristol we work together to change the world learner by learner – this program will be a life changer for many. This College Access Pathway (CAP) in Engineering is a template for creating similar programs in other high need areas.”
In this innovative program, students from Diman will undertake college-level courses with Bristol during their junior and senior high school years. Courses that students undertake with Bristol will seamlessly transfer to UMassD and be applied toward the university’s bachelor degree requirements in Engineering.
“The Greater Fall River Vocational School District is proud to be part of this venture. These pathways are going to provide opportunities for so many students,” said Elvio Ferreira, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent/Principal, Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School. “To be able to acquire a bachelor’s degree in engineering in only three years will be a benefit to students, parents and the community.”
“We are excited to work with Bristol Community College and Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School to create a new pathway to success for students,” said Robert E. Johnson, Ph.D., Chancellor, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, “The CAP in Engineering program is the latest example of UMass Dartmouth’s strong commitment to expanding educational opportunities for our young people so that they are future ready with both the skillset and mindset to build their own American dream.”
Students who maintain the program’s academic requirements of a 3.0 GPA at Diman and 2.5 GPA or higher at Bristol and UMassD, will also receive incentives such as guaranteed admission to UMassD and program-specific advising to ensure students meet their academic goals and objectives.