In an effort to make college more accessible to all students, regardless of socioeconomic status, Sullivan BOCES has launched and rapidly expanded its Early College Access program. The initiative, which officially began in January, aims to level the playing field by helping students earn college credits during high school—without the traditional financial burden.

“This program is designed to ensure that all students, regardless of their financial situation, have access to college courses while in high school, aligning with the Commissioner of Education’s commitment to equity for all students,” said Dr. Robert M. Dufour, District Superintendent and CEO of Sullivan BOCES.

Through a partnership with SUNY Sullivan, the Early College Access program allows students from participating districts to register for college-level courses taught at their high schools by certified instructors. 

The structure is designed to maximize both educational value and cost efficiency. Districts participating through the BOCES cooperative service (Coser) receive state aid to help cover tuition costs, making the program more affordable.

“Sullivan BOCES will coordinate registration, manage billing with the college, and process aidable expenses for the districts,” said Dufour. “This provides districts with a streamlined process to offer college courses to their students.”

Currently, Fallsburg and the newly centralized district formed by Roscoe and Livingston Manor, the Rockland Central School District are enrolled in the Coser. Fallsburg alone has more than 150 students enrolled. Both Fallsburg and the Eldred Central School Districts , and two districts now offer full associate degree pathways that allow students to graduate high school with both a diploma and an associate degree.

Beyond academics, the program emphasizes real college experiences. Students are invited to SUNY Sullivan for campus visits, cultural events, research opportunities, and more.

“This is about getting students onto the campus and showing them what college life is really like,” said Dufour. “It helps students understand that college is different and that you’re treated like an adult —you’re not going to be reminded every day to turn in your homework.” By relocating some of its programs to the SUNY Sullivan campus, Sullivan BOCES has found that the more opportunities a student has to be on a college campus, the more likely they are to see college in their future.

Professional development is another core component. BOCES recently hosted a symposium for social studies and English teachers from both high schools and SUNY Sullivan. These events foster collaboration on curriculum alignment, lesson planning, and expectations, ensuring that college-level courses taught in high schools mirror the rigor of campus-based instruction.

Dufour said that this program is available to every school in the county. Even districts not enrolled in the Coser still benefit from shared services, such as professional development and student experiences. “Our goal is to make this as county-wide as possible,” he said.

Looking ahead, Sullivan BOCES is exploring partnerships with institutions beyond SUNY Sullivan, including Siena College and Hudson Valley Community College, to accommodate existing relationships that some districts already have.

The Early College Access program also includes a dedicated guidance counselor who helps students choose courses strategically, especially those not on an associate degree track. “We want students to pick classes that are going to transfer easily to a two- or four-year institution,” said Dufour.

Concerns about academic readiness have been met with high expectations and positive outcomes. Some districts now allow students as early as ninth grade to begin taking college-level courses. “It’s college-level work,” Dufour said. “But our students can do it. Sometimes they just need the exposure to realize what’s possible.”

In districts like Fallsburg, Livingston Manor and Roscoe, tuition for Early College Access is fully covered by the school district. In other districts, parents typically cover the costs, though districts are increasingly reconsidering that model. “This is what the commissioner envisioned,” Dufour noted, “for districts to evaluate and possibly evolve their approach.”

As for measuring success, the key metric is course completion and credit attainment. For students in the associate degree pathways, graduation with both degrees is the ultimate goal. “But even for others, it’s about building momentum,” Dufour said. “It’s about giving them a head start.”

BOCES, SUNY Sullivan, and the Sullivan County Legislature are more aligned than ever, working together to create new opportunities for the community. “There’s a renaissance happening,” said Dufour. “We’re collaborating to reinvest in our residents, and it’s something truly positive.”