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What is the Beacon Program at Suffolk
County Community College?
Suffolk’s Beacon Program (formerly the
Excelsior Program) is a concurrent enrollment
program that allows high school juniors and
seniors to get a head start on college by taking
Suffolk courses at their high school during
regular school hours. Classes are meant to
enhance college-level student learning, not
replace high school requirements. Students
can earn up to 30 college credits through
Suffolk’s Beacon Program.
Why should I take college courses while
I am still in high school?
Concurrent enrollment is a national trend.
Taking college courses while still in high school
through Suffolk’s Beacon Program enables
students to:
• Earn college credits during their high school
day
• Transfer the credits they earn to most colleges
or universities
• Enjoy greater flexibility in college
• Enhance their college admissions profile
• Save money on tuition