​On February 24, Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) leadership met with representatives from Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District (WPRSD) to sign the RCSJ Collegiate High School Partnership agreement. Front row pictured from left to right: Christopher Meyrick, WPRSD Superintendent; Maricia E. Chiarelli, WPRSD Board President; Megan Ruttler, Associate VP, RCSJ Center for College and Career Readiness & Recruitment; Susan Nardelli, Vice President, RCSJ Communication, Marketing and Enrollment Mgt. Middle row pictured from left to right: Frank Piccioni, Executive Director, RCSJ Collegiate High School & Dual Enrollment and WPRSD Board Members: Jeanna DuBois, Amy Wojciechowski, and Woodstown High School student, Joanna Winchell. Back row pictured from left to right:  Joshua Crane, WPRSD Board Vice-President and WPRSD Board members: Dr. Erin Hitchner, Dr. Kristina Johnston, Karen Gerber, Polly Deal (Upper Pittsgrove Rep.), Robert Iocona, Richard C. Morris, Jr. (Alloway Rep.), and Rich Senor, WHS principal. ​

On February 24, Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) leadership met with representatives from Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District (WPRSD) to sign the RCSJ Collegiate High School Partnership agreement. 

RCSJ Collegiate High School takes education to the next level, providing an affordable, practical way to earn college credits and prepare for the rigors of excelling in a collegiate environment – all before high school graduation. Participating high schools can now offer students the option to take college classes from their high school classrooms or one of RCSJ's two campuses. 

 “Woodstown High School is excited about this newly forged partnership with RCSJ, as it will enhance our existing dual credit program and provide our students with even more opportunities to advance their post-secondary aspirations," says WHS Principal, Rich Senor.  

“Our goal is to meet students where they are in their college and career exploratory journey and assist them with getting on – and staying on – a path," explained Megan Ruttler, associate vice president of College and Career Readiness. “These pathways start in the secondary education arena, progress through RCSJ's certificate and degree programs, and provide transfer opportunities through RCSJ's Flagship Partner, Rowan University, as well as many other institutions of higher education." 

RCSJ has mapped out the pathway to a baccalaureate degree and beyond, and that path begins in the high school classroom. Specialized pathway advisors help high school participants determine the best option for their goals, which range from earning a few college credits all the way to completing an associate degree while still in high school. 

"Through the Collegiate High School Partnership with Rowan College of South Jersey, our students gain early access to college coursework, guidance, and affordable credit opportunities. This empowers them to design their future while we continue our promise to our students and community," shares Dr. Christopher S. Meyrick, superintendent of Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District. 

Students participating in the Collegiate High School program may choose between two different routes to earning college credit. The High School Option Program route enables students, ages 15+ who have completed their freshman year of high school, to take courses on RCSJ's campuses or online for the discounted rate of $75 per credit. Students participating in HSOP will have access to the College's educational and recreational facilities to encourage their participation and to help them to acclimate to a collegiate environment. For students taking courses online, an “RCSJ period" will be provided at the high school during which to complete coursework.  

The High School Dual Credit route offers the opportunity to receive college credit for select courses taught at their local high school by credentialed instructors. These courses are available at a discounted cost of $50 per credit, and credits earned be applied to an RCSJ degree or be transferred to other institutions of higher education. One-on-one advisement will be made available to all students to ensure they start out – and remain – on the best academic path for them.  

Joanna Winchell, a junior at Woodstown High School and the president of the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Woodstown Chapter, has been actively involved in the Family and Consumer Sciences and Childcare & Development programs for the past two years, where she has developed a deep passion for the field. “My FCCLA classes have inspired me to pursue a career in early childhood education," shares Winchell. RCSJ offers a great opportunity for students in the Childcare & Development program to earn college credit and showcase their hard work. “I plan to take advantage of this opportunity to further my career in education. RCSJ is one of my top choice schools!" 

Collegiate High School students receive access to selective pathway programs offered in partnership with Rowan University, student ambassador programs, academic and career coaching, FAFSA assistance, opportunities for scholarship support, and more.  

“We believe that Rowan College of South Jersey has something valuable to offer every single high school student, whether it be a degree program or a certificate track through our Division of Career and Technical Education that will allow them to enter a lucrative trade," outlined Dr. Frederick Keating, president of RCSJ.  

Students interested in saving time and money on their college degree should visit their high school counselor for information on how to get started or learn more at RCSJ.edu/DesignYourFuture. ​