Dear Windber Families and Staff,
We are thrilled to announce that Windber Area School District is partnering with the National Education Equity Lab to bring an unprecedented opportunity to our students! Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, we will offer select students the chance to take high-level college courses from some of the most prestigious universities across the country.
These courses will be available, where applicable, to students entering grades 10-12 and will provide the opportunity to earn real college credits at no cost to families. Students will engage in rigorous coursework supported by university professors, graduate assistants, and a classroom teacher at Windber. We are the first in our region to offer such advanced academic opportunities, and we are excited to push our students to reach their full potential.
What You Need to Know:
- These courses will be part of students’ regular schedules beginning in the 2025-26 school year.
- We believe in our students’ ability to succeed in these challenging courses, but we need your support in encouraging them to push themselves academically.
- Each course requires at least 12 students to run.
- Students will complete the course at Windber through a combination of live instruction from university professors, support from graduate assistants, and guidance from a Windber teacher.
- The district will cover the cost of tuition and credits for students who successfully complete the course.
- Click here to listen to our podcast on this amazing opportunity for our students.
- Click here for a brief FAQ on the program and next steps.
Course Offerings for 2025-26:
Grit Lab: The Psychology of Passion, Perseverance, and Success (University of Pennsylvania)
- Taught by world-renowned professor Angela Duckworth
- Explores the science of grit and resilience in achieving success
- Click here to read the course overview
Introduction to Business Management (Cornell University)
- Earn 3 transferable college credits
- Covers key business functions like marketing, leadership, and financial management
- Click here to read the course overview
Exploring Artificial Intelligence (Stanford University)
- Hands-on introduction to AI, including Neural Networks and Google Colab
- Learn the fundamentals of AI research and real-world applications
- Click here to read the course overview
Introduction to Environmental Studies (Howard University)
- Examines environmental issues through the lens of justice and community impact
- Develops data literacy and critical analysis skills
- Click here to read the course overview
Introduction to Programming (Python) (Wesleyan University)
- Designed for students with no prior coding experience
- Teaches algorithmic thinking and problem-solving in one of the most widely used programming languages
- Click here to read the course overview.
What’s Next?
We encourage you to begin discussing these opportunities with your child as they consider their future academic paths. While these courses will be challenging, we firmly believe in our students and know that with the right support and encouragement, they can thrive in these college-level experiences.
More details will follow as we approach course scheduling, but we wanted to inform families now so you can begin planning.
This partnership is a game-changer for our district and another example of the incredible opportunities we are working to provide for our students. We are committed to breaking through barriers and expanding academic possibilities like never before!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Best,
Mr. Michael J. Vuckovich