Colonial SD expands PRIZE teacher-pipeline with West Chester University; 25 students have participated so far

District staff updated the Curriculum Committee on the PRIZE initiative, a teacher-pipeline partnership the district established with West Chester University that provides high-school students with early college coursework, summer institute experiences and mentoring intended to encourage them to enter the teaching profession.

District staff said an MOU with West Chester University was secured soon after the initiative began and that the program has expanded since 2022. "By December 2022, we had an MOU from West Chester University for this PRIZE initiative," a staff presenter said. Staff estimated 25 students have been involved in the pipeline to date and said seven students will attend the summer institute this year.

Counseling staff explained program mechanics: some credits are earned during a summer residential institute (one credit available during a week-long summer session), and other credits are earned during senior-year coursework (three-credit classes). Counselors said not every student receives all possible credits and that transferability of credits depends on receiving institutions. Staff emphasized ongoing mentoring: when PRIZE students return to teach in Colonial, they receive mentoring as new hires and are assigned district mentors.

District and counseling staff said the program seeks to increase teacher recruitment by offering local students early exposure to teaching, credit-bearing coursework and mentoring. Presenters said the district shares the initiative with other districts and at intermediate-unit and regional superintendent meetings to encourage replication.

The committee did not take formal action on the update. Staff described outreach plans and continuing recruitment for the pipeline.