The Westfield Promise

Westfield State University Promise orientation leader, and student ambassador smiling wearing blue shirt with long braids.

Explore The Westfield Promise: Your Gateway to College Success!

The Westfield Promise is an early college program offered through Westfield State in partnership with Westfield Public Schools, Holyoke Public Schools, and Springfield Public Schools.

The program enables you to earn up to 13 college credits by the time you graduate high school, greatly increasing the likelihood that you’ll go on to earn a college degree!

How does it work?

  • You'll begin the program in your junior year of high school, taking 1 to 2 ‘stretch courses’ (college courses that take place over a full school year rather than a single semester). These courses are co-taught by a WSU professor and a high school faculty member, and they are taught during the school day at the high school. Stretch courses allow for more time with college material and instructors, giving you the ability to ease into the rigors of college coursework.
  • You'll visit campus several times during the year, and will be given access to campus resources.
  • In your senior year, you'll begin taking courses on campus in Westfield, connecting with the campus community and student resources.
  • You'll receive preferred admission into WSU upon completion of the program.

Applying and Admission Criteria

How do I apply?
  • You must be a student at one of the high schools offering The Westfield Promise:
    • Holyoke High School
    • The High School of Commerce, Springfield
    • Westfield High School
    • Westfield Technical Academy
  • During your sophomore year of high school, you will receive information about The Westfield Promise, and be invited to information sessions with your family.
  • You’ll receive an application from your high school’s guidance department.
  • Applications must be returned complete to guidance.
  • Guidance, administrators, and teachers will review the applications and send student recommendations to WSU’s Early College Access Coordinator.
  • You'll be notified by mail of the application decision.
  • Accepted students will attend an overnight orientation on the WSU campus the summer before the program begins.
Admission Criteria
  • While The Westfield Promise is open to any qualified student, priority is given to students who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
  • You must have an adequate attendance record (based on your school’s policies).
  • You must have a minimal high school discipline record.
  • Your high school knows you well. Students best suited to benefit from The Westfield Promise will be selected, or placed on a waiting list should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of seats available.

Next Steps after 13 Credits with The Westfield Promise

Now that you've completed 13 credits with The Westfield Promise, what comes next? We hope you'll complete an admissions application with WSU as a first year student, and strongly consider becoming a full-time student! We even offer two scholarship opportunities to Westfield Promise graduates to help ease cost of attendance.

The Westfield Promise Scholarship (In Partnership with Westfield State Financial Aid)

Students who complete the early college program receive preferred admission to Westfield State University. All high school graduation and minimum university entrance requirements must be met. This unique scholarship opportunity provides up to $2,000 per year to students who meet the following criteria:

  • Must have completed a minimum of 9 credits as part of The Westfield Promise, and both courses during 12th grade with a C or better.
  • Total scholarship amount is based on your Estimated Family Contribution provided in the FAFSA.
  • Pell eligible students may receive up to $2,000 per year.
  • Non Pell eligible students (with an EFC up to 12,000) may receive up to $1,000 per year.
  • Must maintain full-time enrollment at WSU, a 2.8 GPA, and reside in on-campus housing.
The Paul W. Dower Westfield Promise Award

The Westfield State Foundation in partnership with The Westfield Promise is proud to award four students $2,500 per year, for up to 4 years of undergraduate study at Westfield State. In order to be eligible, students:

  • Must have completed a minimum of 9 credits as part of The Westfield Promise, and both courses during the 12th grade with a C or better.
  • Should have an interest in becoming involved as campus leaders.
  • Must complete a scholarship application.
  • Will be interviewed as part of the award selection process.
  • Maintain continuous enrollment at WSU, and a minimum GPA of 2.3

Ready to apply as a first year student?

There are two ways to apply.

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The Westfield Promise