Building a Bridge Program

How does the program work?

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Initially the program started with high school juniors, completing Westerns placement exams in Writing and Mathematics to determine where they would place if they enrolled in college that semester. As a result, university and high school faculty would plan curricular changes for high school seniors to help at-risk students become college-ready. Students were retested in the spring of their senior year to measure progress. At the same time, juniors were tested for the next cohort of students in the project.

The Bridges partnership between Western and Bethel and Danbury high schools served as a model for the Connecticut State University System, with our three sister universities now engaged in projects with their local high schools. These collaborations cross boundaries and match high school standards with college expectations, improve access, accountability, affordability and the quality of the students education. In other words, prepared students enter the university ready to take full advantage of the opportunities offered

In 2010, the program evolved and began to offer a variety of educational outreach programs to middle school students at Danbury's Rogers Park and Broadview Middle Schools and Bethel Middle School. The current components of WCSUs Bridges program include:

  • Enrichment Days
  • The Junior Meteorology Program
  • Tutoring for middle school students
  • Hurricane Research
  • Placement testing
  • Professional development workshops
  • Camp College

All the components of the WCSUs Bridges program are designed to support college preparation and equalize the pre-college experience at an earlier age for all students in our partner school districts.

This year Bridges contributed to Western earning the distinction of being named to the 2013 Presidents Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, a designation for colleges and universities recognized for their commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement.

Upcoming Activities

  • Camp College for Broadview Middle School - August 15 & 16, 2013

  • Camp College for Bethel Middle School - August 19 & 20, 2013

  • Camp College for Rogers Park Middle School - August 21 & 22, 2013        

WCSU Weather Information

Current Conditions in Danbury


Fair
Current Conditions

85.7° F
Feels like 88°

Wind: 9MPH from the NE
Humidity: 52%
Pressure: 30.19 in.
Dew Point: 66° F


Emergency / Weather Alert Information

The Emergency / Weather Alert will be posted on the WCSU home page any time an emergency or bad weather causes a delay, cancellation or early closing of the university.

Weather Alert Example

 Visit the Emergency / Weather Alert page

Greater Danbury 5-Day Forecast

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Mostly sunny, hot and humid.
Mostly sunny, hot and humid.
Mostly sunny, hot and humid.
Partly sunny and hot, chance for an afternoon shower or thunderstorm.
Mixed clouds and sunshine, afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
72° / 92° 72° / 92° 73° / 94° 72° / 92° 73° / 90°