More than 600 New York City high school students got a jumpstart on their college degrees last school year, thanks to the St. Francis College High School Bridge Program.

The SFC Bridge Program identifies certain upper-level New York City high school courses as comparable to introductory college courses, and awards SFC credits to students who complete them. Students may then apply those credits directly towards SFC degrees or transfer them to other institutions, ensuring they arrive at college with some requirements fulfilled already, saving them time and money.

Last year, SFC awarded a total of 2,800 SFC credits via the Bridge Program. Qualifying courses typically provide 3 credits each.

In the 2021-22 academic year, sixteen high schools will offer a total of 66 SFC Bridge Program courses, double the number of Bridge courses offered just two years ago.

"SFC has long, fruitful relationships with high schools throughout New York City, and our Bridge Program helps ensure those relationships flourish," said Gregory Bardzell, SFC Assistant Director of Success Partnerships who leads the Bridge Program. "SFC was built on a tradition of educating New York City students, many first in their families to earn college degrees, and we continue to develop opportunities to give a leg up to this city's students in every way we can. Our Bridge Program is one way we bring that commitment to life."

Among the schools participating in the SFC Bridge Program is La Salle Academy an all-male college-preparatory Catholic high school in Manhattan with a diverse, 245-member student body.

La Salle Academy is proud to partner with St. Francis College," said Kerry Conroy, Principal of La Salle Academy. "Our two institutions are steeped in rich history while being focused on the future. SFC Bridge classes allow our young men to reap the benefits of a stellar SFC education while still in high school, and we're grateful that even more of them can now get a head start on their college degrees."

Last year, La Salle offered just one SFC Bridge course – in creative writing – and fifteen students completed it. La Salle has expanded its SFC Bridge Program for the coming year to include four additional courses, in sociology, history, government and Spanish.

"Our collaboration is about empowering the next generation to do good and to do it well," said Brother Thomas Casey, FSC, President of La Salle Academy. "The growth of the partnership between St. Francis College and La Salle Academy reflects the commitment of both schools to make a positive difference in young lives and in our society."

In order to be a SFC High School Bridge partner, schools must offer courses that align with those already offered by SFC and meet other criteria. Bridge courses are taught by teachers at those schools who SFC determines are qualified to instruct at the college level. Students who successfully complete Bridge courses receive official SFC transcripts.

In addition to La Salle, the following schools will offer Bridge Program courses in the 2021-2022 academic year: All Hallows High School, Cathedral High School, Eagle Academy, Fontbonne Hall Academy, Gaynor McCown Expeditionary Learning School, Lawrence Woodmere Academy, New Utrecht High School, Northside Charter High School, Richmond Hill High School, The Scholars' Academy, St. Anthony's High School, St. Francis Preparatory School, St. Joseph by the Sea High School, Sunset Park High School and The Boerum Hill School For International Studies.