Hampton Bays outlines college‑pathway pilots and new student programs

District leaders used the Nov. 18 board meeting to highlight partnerships intended to expand college access and career readiness for Hampton Bays students.

Stony Brook University: Diane reported that 21 Hampton Bays eighth graders are participating in Stony Brook University’s Future Scholars program at the Southampton campus, attending monthly sessions and working with mentors and professors. Superintendent Clemonson said that, per the program’s design as described at the meeting, students who complete the Future Scholars sequence and later gain admission to Stony Brook may be eligible for a tuition benefit; the superintendent characterized that benefit in the meeting as "full tuition for four years" under Stony Brook's program arrangements.

Early‑college pilot: The district also described a planned spring pilot with Suffolk County Community College and Stony Brook Southampton to allow seniors to take Suffolk courses on the Southampton campus (courses cost were described as under $300 per course in the meeting). Officials said credits would transfer to Suffolk and could be used in 2+2 pathways into Stony Brook.

Financial literacy and career exploration: Diane described an app‑based budgeting simulation called "Bite of Reality" planned for February for seniors to practice household budgeting scenarios, and noted partnerships with local organizations, including People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union, to expand financial‑literacy programming across grades.

Student recognition: the meeting also inducted nine students into the high‑school National Honor Society and recognized multiple Student‑of‑the‑Month honorees for October: Victoria Ramirez Guzman (elementary), Sandy Mejia Lopez (middle school) and senior Luke David.

What’s next: staff said they will report back with program details and schedules in coming meetings as pilots advance and registration opens for spring offerings.