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How to get started?

To take a course through Suffolk’s Beacon Program, students must be a high

school junior or senior, enrolled in an approved course, who has demonstrated

readiness to take college-level course work, and has been recommended

by their high school teacher or guidance counselor. Some Beacon Program

courses may have additional requirements for acceptance. Participating high

schools have student enrollment applications containing all of the information

necessary to take advantage of this opportunity. The program is explained and

enrollment is completed in each of the classes being offered through the Bea-

con Program. Interested students should contact their high school administra-

tion to see what courses are being offered in their school district.

How does the Beacon Program differ from AP/IB?

With the Beacon Program, college credit is earned and an official Suffolk

County Community College academic transcript is generated upon the

completion of each course. Student success is based on a variety of

assessments throughout the course, not solely upon one test. Courses

offered through Suffolk’s Beacon Program follow the College syllabi using

college-level textbooks.

What can be expected from these courses?

College courses are rigorous and challenging; careful time management skills

are essential. The workload varies between courses, but typically involves

additional time and extensive reading and writing assignments. Courses are

designed to promote independent and peer group study skills with increased

student expectations and higher level class discussions.

What can students do with the credits they earn?

Courses offered through the Beacon Program generate an official Suffolk

academic transcript. Successfully earned college credits can be used toward

a degree at Suffolk, or transferred to many private and public colleges and

universities with general acceptance within SUNY institutions. Suffolk accepts

all credits successfully earned through the Beacon Program.

“By taking advantage of this program,

I am able to show colleges that I hold a

high academic standard and can handle

an intense workload. This increases my

chances of being admitted to highly

competitive schools, gives me greater

flexibility during my college career and

shortens the time needed to receive a

bachelor’s degree.”

Rosario Terracina, Shoreham-Wading

River High School student