Saucon Valley board approves dual‑enrollment Pathways with Northampton Community College

The Saucon Valley School Board voted to approve a dual‑enrollment (Pathways) agreement with Northampton Community College designed to expand college credit opportunities for district juniors.

Administrators and staff described three grant‑funded pathways — education, healthcare and skilled trades — that will make selected concurrent‑enrollment courses available to eligible juniors at no cost under the grant. District administrators said the program targets current eleventh‑grade students for the free dual‑credit benefit; other students may enroll in courses but would not be covered by the grant and would be responsible for costs unless other arrangements are made.

"We started this discussion with them in 2024," said Dr. Kasky, describing year‑long work with NCC to identify teachable courses and pathways. Administrators explained the grant’s structure: some courses will be delivered on NCC’s campus while others could be taught in‑house by Saucon Valley teachers who obtain adjunct approval from NCC.

Board members asked whether the list of courses in the packet represented all possible offerings; administrators clarified it covered the grant‑eligible courses tied to the three pathways, while other NCC courses remain available for students who arrange and pay for them under current board policy.

The board approved the agreement after discussion about capacity, certification for teachers to serve as adjuncts, and how the district will communicate enrollment and eligibility details to families.

Next steps: administrators will finalize course lists, adjunct approvals and communications to families; the Pathways program will prioritize juniors for the coming year.