The Early College Program


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In picture from left:
Kenil Patel, Alivia Lopez, Yuliza Cruz, Khleah Jeter, Devonna Douglas, and Nyles Rome.
Not pictured: Ashley Adams, Ron Fausnaught, Alexis Martin, Casey Mest, and Javontae Tinson.

The Pottstown Early College program is designed to provide high-achieving, low income students the opportunity to finish their first year of college at Montgomery County Community College during their junior and senior years at Pottstown High School (inclusive of the summer between the junior and senior year), with the Foundation for Pottstown Education paying for all coursework if the students retain the grade of B or above in all coursework at Montgomery County Community College.

The following is a list of criterion used by the Foundation for Pottstown Education to identify worthy students for this program:

  1. Grades – the student must have a 90% GPA or above in all courses to be eligible.
  2. The student must show financial need through a review of the previous year’s tax return form from his/her family.
  3. The student chosen must be serious about their education and show the proper level of maturity for social interaction at the college level.

Eligible students must apply to the program.  The Foundation will consider the following information:

  • All personal information (address, phone number, parent/guardian names and address, siblings, etc.)
  • A transcript of all classes taken and grades from Grade 9 to the present.
  • The activities in which the student has participated throughout their high school career
  • The class rank of the student.
  • Level of difficulty and rigor of the classes each student is enrolled in at the present, as well as those in the past from the freshman year onward. Honors or Advanced Placement classes or a combination of both are an indication that the student is interested in more rigorous work.
  • A one page essay based on the student’s interest in the program and why he/she would be a good candidate for the Early College Program.
  • The previous year’s tax return form from his/her family.

This information is provided to the Foundation and reviewed by a Foundation committee.  The students chosen are notified by a letter from the Foundation.

What Our Students Say

"Being a student to a five-square mile town, in the suburbs of Philadelphia, is not the same as being a student from a preparatory school, such as the Hill School, or a larger school, such as Owen J. Roberts High School. The amount of funding spent on each student is significantly less in the Pottstown student's case. However, all students are expected to compete at the same academic level when applying to colleges and universities. A preparatory student or a student from a large high school, with availability to courses such as physics and different types of mathematics, sciences, and even SAT prep courses, has more invested into their education than the students of Pottstown Education.

So what can we do? Do we just complain about unfair the system is? Do we put our heads down and give up? Do we fail to see our futures in reputable colleges and universities? Do we fail to become the politicians, doctors, and engineers we always aspired to be? Do we fail to become successful?

Or do we make a stand? Do we fight to change the unfair system? Do we keep our goals in sight and press on? Do we strive for academic excellence in competing for admission into those reputable universities? Do we become the best politicians, doctors, and engineers in the world? Do we become successful?

As a student of Pottstown High School, I have first-hand witnessed the determination of our students to make that stand to become successful. I have witnessed students staying hours behind school to get tutored. I have seen those very students being involved in countless clubs, organizations, and sports. And on those very weekends, in which most people relish the breathe of fresh air from the school week, I have seen our students build up their resumés by working jobs.

By performing well in academics, staying involved through community service and school organizations and sports, and even building up work experience through part-time jobs, Pottstown High School students are able to compete against any students in the U.S.

But what is the most important element, in order to be competitive, when applying to colleges? What sets Pottstown High School students apart from the rest of the students when applying to colleges and universities?

College experience, that ability to show colleges that we can excel at College level academics, while remaining self sufficient and independent. This is not only the most important element, it is also the hardest to achieve for a student, especially for students that have considerably less educational funding.

Before I was given the opportunity of the Early College Program, I had previously taken Montgomery County Community College Courses. The summer after my Freshman year of high school, I had taken two classes, Introduction to Psychology and English Composition I. The experience of taking my first college classes was unforgettable. The level of maturity and commitment to further education was quite evident. The only negative aspect I saw of that experience was that it took two summers worth of pay, from my summer job, for the 10 week experience. Nevertheless it was quite worth it.

The Early College Program, providing that level of college experience, is the most significant program I've been grateful to have been a part of. All of the college acceptances and financial aid I've been given, I can honestly say, I wouldn't have imagined it to have been this beneficial without the Pottstown Foundation for Education. That very ability to obtain college experience, up to 30 college credits worth of experience for free, is what sets the Early College Program students apart from other students in the U.S., when applying to colleges and universities.

The program was marvelous as it taught us to become independent, a crucial component when going away to college. We had to schedule meetings with our high school guidance counselors and the Montco (Montgomery County Community College) advisers. We had to be responsible for obtaining the necessary textbook vouchers, receiving the textbooks from the campus store, and making sure we could still be on time for our classes at the high school. Through making sure the textbooks were returned, earning academic grades at both the high school and the college were at least a B, we also learned how to be accountable.

By giving the high school students a glimpse of what college level courses are going to be like, the Foundation is setting the students up for success. Throughout the program, students are also able to explore and find out what career pathways interest them. It gives them the opportunity to develop the skills, mindset, and intelligence for the jobs, positions such as nurses, writers, engineers, scientists, and doctors, they are looking to obtain in the future.

The high school guidance counselors, the Montco advisors, the administration from the Foundation, Ms. Ellis, and Mrs. McCoy were all incredible supporters of the cohorts throughout the program. With their support, the students were able to obtain up to 30 college credits. Many of the students are able to transfer these credits to their universities and colleges, and already have a head start towards their degrees. The students attending Montgomery County Community College after high school are already halfway completed their education.

The program was an extraordinary opportunity for the Pottstown High School students and I encourage the future generations to apply for this program. On behalf of the Early College Program Cohort of the Pottstown High School Class of 2017, we would like to thank all supporters and the Foundation for Pottstown Education for their commitment towards our future success.”

Kenil Patel - Graduate of PHS Class of 2017

Dual Enrollment

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Opportunities for students to take college and high school credits simultaneously.  Students enrolled in Dual Enrollment attaining a B or higher will be reimbursed by the Foundation for one-half of their tuition. 


PEAK


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PEAK - This Nationally recognized Early Childhood Initiative prepares students for academic success. The PEAK program, partners Pottstown School District with Pottstown Childcare Centers and Pre-Schools including Head Start.


Secondary Enrichment Courses


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Online enrichment courses such as Italian, Greek, Mandarin, Chinese, accelerated mathematics, accelerated science, SAT Prep, etcetera.  These courses cost in the range of $200‑$800 per course, per student.


STEAM & Robotics


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STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics). This funding will go toward educating our staff and purchasing the needed supplies toward implementing this important National initiative.

Robotics. Students will learn to build robots and relate the concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics.


Teacher Residency Program


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The Residency Incentive Loan Program is designed to increase the number of employee-owned and occupied residences within the geographic boundaries of Pottstown School District by making purchasing a home more affordable. With the Program, an eligible individual may apply to the Foundation for Pottstown Education for a loan of up to $10,000 which may be used to assist with closing costs, down payment or other expenses directly related to the purchase of a property determined to be eligible for the Program.

  1. Applicant Eligibility Requirements.

(a) Applicant must be a member of the Federation of Pottstown Teachers; an Act 93 employee; or an Exempt employee.

(b) Applicant must be employed by Pottstown School District on a full-time basis (employment status is designated as no less than a .8 full time equivalent).

(c) Applicant must have been in the employment of Pottstown Area School District for a minimum of 90 days and employment must be in good standing.

(d) Applicant must continue to own and occupy the Property and maintain the Property as Applicant's primary residence.

(e) Applicant can only qualify for the Program one time, regardless of how many Pottstown School District employees reside at the Property.

  1. Property Eligibility Requirements.

(a) Property must be located in the geographic boundaries of the Pottstown School District.

(b) Property must be a residential dwelling and shall never consist of individual dwelling units greater in number than those that exist at the time of Closing.

(c) The Property must be and must remain Applicant’s principal residence

  1. Loan Terms and Repayment.

(a) Funds may be used to assist with closing costs, down payment or other expenses directly related to the purchase of the Property.

(b) The Loan will be forgiven at the rate of 20% of the outstanding principal sum annually, together with all applicable interest thereon until the Loan is forgiven in full.

(c) THE AMOUNT OF THE LOAN FORGIVEN EACH YEAR IS A TAXABLE EVENT FOR WHICH THE APPLICANT SHALL BE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT. THE FOUNDATION SHALL PREPARE AND ISSUE A FORM 1099 IN JANUARY OF EACH YEAR FOLLOWING ANY LOAN FORGIVENESS PERIOD. APPLICANT IS ENCOURAGED TO SEEK TAX ADVICE FROM A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL IN ORDER TO PLAN AND PROVIDE PAYMENT OF ALL TAXES DUE IN CONNECTION WITH THE LOAN.

  1. Events of Default. The unforgiven balance of the Loan will be due and payable if:

(a) The Applicant ceases to be a fulltime employee (defined as a minimum of .8 FTE designation) of Pottstown School District.

(b) The Applicant ceases to occupy the Property as his/her principle residence.

(c) The Applicant ceases to be the owner of the Property.

(d) The Applicant fails to sign annual affidavit confirming continued eligibility.

  1. Program Procedure.

(a) The Applicant should review all documentation related to the Program.

 (b) Upon signing an Agreement of Sale for purchase of a Property, the Applicant must complete the Foundation for Pottstown Education Residency Incentive Loan Program Eligibility and Application Form and submit it to the Foundation for review and approval.

(c) Upon receipt of completed Application and review of required documentation, Applicant will be notified of his or her acceptance into the Program.

(d) Applicant and Foundation will execute the Pottstown Education Residency Incentive Loan Program Agreement and all related documents.

(e) Foundation will make loan proceeds available at the time of settlement on the Property or upon receipt of a fully executed HUD-1 Settlement Statement.

(f) Applicant will annually execute an affidavit affirming continued compliance with the eligibility requirements set forth above.

(g) If the Applicant ceases to be employed fulltime by Pottstown School District, ceases to occupy the Property as a principal residence or ceases to own the Property, the Applicant must notify the Foundation within five (5) days of such event.

This information and criteria set forth herein is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at the sole discretion of the Foundation, including determination as to funds available. All forms related to the Program can be obtained at offices of the Foundation located at 230 Beech Street, Pottstown, PA 19464. Any questions regarding the Program may be directed to the Foundation’s Executive Director at (610) 970-6616.


Student Field Trips


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This initiative helps to support specific trips directly related to the curriculum Pre-K - 12. The trips are chosen to engage and enrich students and their knowledge of the world.


Scholarships


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Scholarship awards given to graduating seniors through funds held at the Foundation for Pottstown Education
Congratulations to our 2021 senior scholarship recipients!
Scholarship                                                                                                                   Recipient
Robert P Smith Award-Valedictorian Naomi Parson
Wm Hartranft Mem Valedictorian Naomi Parson
Robert P Smith Award Salutarorian Kishan Patel
William F. Lamb Scholarship Allison Horne
Earl Strom Financial Aid Scholarship Austin Spence
Elizabeth Wells Award Austin Spence
Stanley Davenport Award Austin Weller
Elizabeth Wells Social Studies Scholarship Caleb Quiles
Dee Gondal Memorial Scholarship Carson Hewitt
Nelson Burnett Memorial Scholarship Christian Albert
Richard J. Ricketts, Jr. Scholarship Christian Albert
Joseph G. Rinaldi Vocational Technical Scholarship Christina Albert
Elizabeth Wells U.S. History Award Cyenyla Hall
Linford F Moyer & Family  Scholarship Darius Smallwood
Arms Family Business Technology  Award Dylan Maximenko
Leon H. Seeders Scholarship Dylan Murphy
Calvin J. Swavely Mem. Scholarship Harmony Wood
Earl Strange Award Hayley Haas
Earl Strom Financial Aid Scholarship Heaven Charriez
Stephanie Miller Mast Heaven Charriez
The Ellen Eisele Be the Change of Tomorrow Award Heaven Charriez
Guy Sperat Family Award Jack Hipple
Howard Brown Athletic Scholarship Jahzeel Watson
Jared Bentley Award Jahzeel Watson
Henry A. Arms Award Jamal Pratt
Class of 1944 Scholarship Jazlyn Watson
Joan A. Herpst Pomponia Scholarship Juliana Figueroa
Pottstown Alumni Wrestlers' Scholarship Julianna Figueroa
Marguerite and Earl G. Ewing Award Kaelyn Draucker
Dr. Ray E. Feick Scholarship Katherine Cocar
Ruth & Lorin Leister Prizes Award Kishan Patel
Excellence in Math Award Kishan Patel
Myra Forrest Early Promise Award Kristen Dipietro
Arms Family Early Childhood Education Program Award Lillian Stirk
Frerichs Family Scholarship Lillian Stirk
Edmund & Robert Hedgepeth Memorial Scholarship Lilliana Quintero
Nancy S. Heifer School Nurse Academic Award Michelle Villegomez
Excellence in Math Award Naomi Parson
Frank D. Heifer Arts Award Naomi Parson
Robert C. & Virginia B. Shultz Award Naomi Parson
Ruth & Lorin Leister Prizes Award Naomi Parson
Alan O. Care Memorial Art Award Natalie Fichthorn
Edmund & Robert Hedgepeth Memorial Scholarship Nicole Rubach
George S. Ralston Humanities Award Olivia Scholl
Excellence in Computer Science Award Pearce Raegler
William J. Schinstine Scholarship Robert Raegler
Alan O. Care Memorial Art Award Sharon Gatheca
Touchdown Club Award Sincere Strimple
Robert C. & Virginia B. Shultz Award Vincenzo DeLeo
Detar Family Award Zoe Earle
Leslie Freese- Betz Award Harmony Wood

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