Cliffside Park program with Bergen Community College gives multilingual students early college credits
Summary
Cliffside Park School District and Bergen Community College described a two-summer dual-enrollment ESL program that provided college-level credits, covered tuition and textbooks through a state College Readiness grant, and offered advising, peer mentoring and transportation for participants.
Cliffside Park School District and Bergen Community College representatives on Sept. 17 described a dual-enrollment summer program that allowed multilingual learners to earn college credits while strengthening English-language skills.
"Through this dual enrollment summer program, students strengthen their academic and language foundations while gaining early exposure to college expectations," said Stephanie Brennan, the district's ESL supervisor, as she outlined the program's two-session structure: an online mid-May–June session and an in-person July–August session.
Laura Madera, director of early college and college readiness programs at Bergen Community College, said the program has enabled some participants to bypass developmental ESL sequences and begin credit-bearing courses sooner. "One of the outcomes from the program last year is one of the students that participated in the program was then invited to join PAD," Madera said, pointing to expanded pathways and academic opportunities for participants.
Dr. Susanna Lansangin, an ESL faculty member and foundations coordinator, said the initiative began as college exposure visits and evolved into a true in-class college experience. "I envisioned a real life college experience, not just for them to just tour the college," she said, describing faculty engagement and positive student participation.
The program selects students using language and placement criteria, including WIDA access scores above 3 and ACCUPLACER placement into levels 2 or 3, and targets rising juniors and graduating seniors. Program staff said Bergen Community College provides ACCUPLACER testing, advising and registration support; the district provides outreach, transportation for in-person sessions and peer-mentoring supports.
Funding for the program was described as coming from a College Readiness grant administered through the New Jersey state legislature and the state higher-education office; staff said the funding covers tuition, textbooks and student supports. Program organizers also highlighted nonfinancial supports, including peer mentors, an English Language Tutoring Center and workshops on soft skills such as LinkedIn profile building and time management.
Certificates were presented to student participants during the meeting. Board members and district leaders thanked the Bergen College staff and the program's ESL team for their work preparing students for college-level coursework.
The board did not vote on the program; the presentation served as information for the board and public. The district said it plans to continue recruiting eligible students for next summer's cohorts.
