Building a Bridge Program

How does the program work?

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Initially the program started with high school juniors, completing Westerns placement exams in Writing and Mathematics to determine where they would place if they enrolled in college that semester. As a result, university and high school faculty would plan curricular changes for high school seniors to help at-risk students become college-ready. Students were retested in the spring of their senior year to measure progress. At the same time, juniors were tested for the next cohort of students in the project.

The Bridges partnership between Western and Bethel and Danbury high schools served as a model for the Connecticut State University System, with our three sister universities now engaged in projects with their local high schools. These collaborations cross boundaries and match high school standards with college expectations, improve access, accountability, affordability and the quality of the students education. In other words, prepared students enter the university ready to take full advantage of the opportunities offered

In 2010, the program evolved and began to offer a variety of educational outreach programs to middle school students at Danbury's Rogers Park and Broadview Middle Schools and Bethel Middle School. The current components of WCSUs Bridges program include:

  • Enrichment Days
  • The Junior Meteorology Program
  • Tutoring for middle school students
  • Hurricane Research
  • Placement testing
  • Camp College
  • Professional development workshops

All the components of the WCSUs Bridges program are designed to support college preparation and equalize the pre-college experience at an earlier age for all students in our partner school districts.

Upcoming Activities

  • Young Writers Conference - July 15 - July 19, 2013

  • Camp College for Broadview Middle School - August 15 & 16, 2013

  • Camp College for Bethel Middle School - August 19 & 20, 2013

  • Camp College for Rogers Park Middle School - August 21 & 22, 2013        

WCSU Weather Information

Current Conditions in Danbury


Light Rain
Current Conditions

65.9° F
Feels like 66°

Wind: 5MPH from the N
Humidity: 95%
Pressure: 29.89 in.
Dew Point: 64° F


Emergency / Weather Alert Information

The Emergency / Weather Alert will be posted on the WCSU home page any time an emergency or bad weather causes a delay, cancellation or early closing of the university.

Weather Alert Example

 Visit the Emergency / Weather Alert page

Greater Danbury 5-Day Forecast

Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Partly sunny and pleasant.
Mostly sunny and seasonable.
Mostly sunny and seasonable.
Partly sunny and warm.
Mostly sunny and warm.
57° / 73° 47° / 79° 52° / 81° 58° / 82° 58° / 84°