The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) recently hosted a professional workshop to explore best practices for student engagement in its Early College program, which allows high school students in Calvert and Charles counties to earn college credits while still completing their high school education.
The virtual session, titled Early College Program – Best Practices for Student Engagement, was led by CSM’s Division of Learning faculty and focused on evidence-based strategies to improve student retention, success, and overall program completion. The workshop was developed in response to faculty recommendations for training that supports Early College students in navigating the challenges of college coursework.
CSM Director of Educational Partnerships Sylvia Royster and Dual Enrollment/Early College Coordinator Linda Forrest presented an overview of Early College programs at the national, state, and local levels. They discussed how engagement strategies have been shown to improve student outcomes and encouraged faculty to implement these practices in their classrooms.
“The importance of this session was to provide an overview of national, state, and local Early College programs related to student retention and completion,” Royster said. “Evidence-based student engagement strategies were shared with faculty to increase student success. Faculty survey feedback revealed the success of this professional learning to be based on the recommended student engagement strategies shared during the Early College faculty and student panels.”
The session also featured a student panel consisting of current Early College participants, graduates, and students who have since transferred to four-year institutions. These students shared their experiences, highlighting what worked well in the program and areas that could be improved.
Panel discussions, developed in collaboration with Royster, centered on key questions such as:
- How can professors be more approachable and supportive to Early College students?
- What advice can professors offer to help students navigate college and career decisions?
- How can professors build trust and foster meaningful academic relationships?
Throughout the discussion, students emphasized the importance of creating a sense of community from the first day of class. Many expressed appreciation for professors who took time to connect with students, offer guidance, and share their own college experiences. Several students also noted the value of office hours but suggested that additional opportunities to interact with professors could further enhance the learning experience.
Royster and Forrest emphasized the long-term benefits of Early College participation, noting that students who complete these programs are more likely to transfer to two- or four-year institutions, earn degrees more quickly, and achieve higher wages after graduation. This impact is particularly significant for students from underserved communities.
The Early College program at CSM is open to rising juniors and seniors in Charles and Calvert counties. The tuition-free program allows students to experience college-level coursework, save money, and earn credits toward a degree while still in high school. Students attend classes in person at the CSM campus in their home county.
For more information about the Early College program at CSM, visit csmd.edu.
