Now in its second year, the Smart Scholars program is reshaping the Port Chester High School experience, with 99 students and counting. Through a grant-funded partnership with Westchester Community College (WCC), eligible students can earn up to 24 transferable college credits at no cost while fulfilling high school requirements. These credits are recognized by a wide range of post-secondary institutions across the country.
Courses are co-taught by PCHS teachers and WCC adjunct professors, and the dual-enrollment model awards both high school and college credit for the same class, saving families time and money on a future degree. These opportunities aren’t limited to Smart Scholars participants; any PCHS student can enroll in a college-credit course.
“We’ve expanded supports to help students thrive,” said Assistant Principal and Smart Scholars Coordinator Diantha Barone. “In our second year, my focus is on growth, offerings, enrollment, supports, opportunities, and communication. Most importantly, I’m inspired by each student’s personal growth as they discover who they are and how they can continue to develop their skills and knowledge.”
Students receive mentoring from PCHS staff and tutoring through the Carver Center, helping them strengthen study strategies, set goals, and build college-ready habits. The program’s course offerings are growing, too, with new WCC classes in the arts and technology, including Orchestra Ensemble (MUSIC 132), Band Ensemble (MUSIC 132), Chorus 1/2 (MUSIC 130), Introduction to Theatre (THEATRE 101), and Computer Hardware (CIS 130). The district also continues its partnership with Manhattanville College to expand advanced coursework across subjects.
“As Deputy Superintendent, I’m proud that Smart Scholars and our arts dual-enrollment options give PCHS students a real head start,” said Dr. Colleen Carroll. “Through these partnerships with Westchester Community College and Manhattanville, we’re leading the way as NYSED moves toward a statewide dual-enrollment policy. These programs raise high school graduation rates, boost college enrollment, and increase degree completion, and our students are feeling that momentum.”
Students like AJ Alvarez and Antonia Rieke, both in Grade 10, say Smart Scholars is helping them grow academically and personally.
“Smart Scholars has helped me become the best student I can be,” AJ shared. “With all the help from staff at school and at Carver Center, I’ve learned to be responsible and respectful. They even helped me reach my athletic goals with open gym and other great opportunities.”
Antonia added, “Smart Scholars is more than just earning college credit; it’s a pathway to my future. Through our meetings, workshops, and field trips, I’ve learned more about my interests and what I want to do with my life. It’s helped me feel more secure in who I am and who I’ll become.”
The learning continues beyond the school day. Summer 2025 Carver Center workshops will run from July 9 to August 6, focusing on high school readiness, organization, wellness, and time management. Sessions for incoming ninth graders will be held on Wednesdays from 3:00 to 4:00 PM, and for incoming tenth graders on Wednesdays from 2:00 to 3:00 PM.
During the 2025–26 school year, in-person sessions will continue quarterly:
- Cohort 2 (Grade 9): September 9 and October 7; November 18 and December 9; February 10 and March 12 (Career Exploration Night, 6:00 to 7:30 PM); April 14 and May 12.
- Cohort 1 (Grade 10): September 11 and October 9; November 20 and December 11; February 12 and March 12 (Career Exploration Night); April 16 and May 14.
Applications open each spring for current eighth graders preparing to enter ninth grade. Stay tuned for updated information, which will be posted soon on the Port Chester High School website.