Pipeline Program "Demystifies" the College Experience for Bartlett Students

Twenty-four Bartlett 10th graders are spending five consecutive Fridays away from their traditional biology classroom. Instead, their science teacher Richard Bryson has them waist deep in six brooks and streams collecting samples and data and establishing benchmarks for 10 locations monitored by the State of Massachusetts and the French River Connection.

It is all part of a Pipeline to Postsecondary Education Program ("Pipeline Program") launched three years ago by Dr. Mauri Pelto, Nichols professor of environmental science. Students spend the morning conducting state-contracted environmental research on the Quinebaug-Shetucket National Heritage Corridor and the afternoon analyzing the professional-level data.

Most importantly, the Pipeline Program features discussions by Nichols staff on a variety of topics relevant to the college admissions process, including financial aid, athletics, and academic requirements. "The Pipeline Program's purpose is to coach selected students," says Professor Pelto, "and increase their aspirations and awareness of the importance and benefits of college."

First-generation high school students who are academically underprepared are targeted for the program. Richard Bryson notes that Bartlett doesn't consider honor students for the Pipeline Program, but rather, "chooses participants who work hard academically, but are on the border about attending college."

The Pipeline Program is making a difference. Bartlett sophomores and best friends, Chelsey Vancellett, Caroline Betty, and Amanda Marcoux, now plan to attend a local college. Since they all live on or near Webster Lake, monitoring for metals, PH, phosphates, river flow and temperature on Mine Brook, Sucker Brook and Mill Brook has made them feel more responsible and respectful of the water resources in their own back yard. "The future of Massachusetts' waterways rest with them," says Teacher Bryson.

Pipeline students become problem solvers and self-directed achievers thanks to the generous support of Gerald and Marilyn Fels of Webster, Mass., for underwriting the cost of the program at Nichols College. In addition to the Fels' primary funding, the project gets a stipend from the State of Massachusetts to aid its water monitoring effort.

To examine the Pipeline experience, Bartlett students have uploaded a video to YouTube: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBvdd3--cgg) using their own images and words. Check it out.