CU-Mansfield Receives Donation from FCCB for Early College

A donation from First Citizens Community Bank (FCCB) will help Commonwealth University-Mansfield’s Early College program further reduce program costs for Pennsylvania public high school students this academic year.

First Citizens has supported the Early College Program for several years, contributing $55,000 this year to the Mansfield University Mountaineer Foundation in support of the program. The Early College class of Fall 2025 has enrolled over 570 students from across northern and central Pennsylvania.

“We’re proud to partner with First Citizens Community Bank to expand opportunities for local students,” said Gretchen Sechrist, Mansfield campus administrator and interim vice provost for undergraduate education at Commonwealth University. “Their investment in the Early College Program helps remove financial barriers and sets students on a path toward success. These kinds of partnerships strengthen our communities by preparing skilled graduates who contribute to the region’s future.”
The Early College Program enables qualified high school students to enroll in courses taught by Mansfield faculty and earn college credits while still in high school.

During the senior year of high school, matriculating students are connected with their advisor to schedule their first semester at Commonwealth University. Thanks to support from community organizations like First Citizens, the Early College Program has provided further tuition reduction for Pennsylvania public school students in the Northern Tier since Fall 2021.

Students who complete an Early College course are granted automatic general acceptance for full-time enrollment at Commonwealth University. Specific academic degree programs may require additional application materials and qualifications for consideration.

In addition to the standard Early College courses taught by Mansfield faculty, course delivery is available at participating schools through the Concurrent Enrollment pilot program, enabling high school students to take Mansfield courses taught by qualified high school teachers on-site in their high school. The relevant university faculty must first approve the high school teachers providing instruction.
Students enrolled in such courses also have their tuition subsidized this academic year.

To learn more about Commonwealth University’s Early College Program and opportunities to donate to assist students and families in the program, click here: https://www.commonwealthu.edu/admissions/early-college

Shown from left: Jerome Manley, Executive Director of Early College Programs; Stephen Guillaume, EVP and CFO of FCCB; Dr. Gretchen Sechrist, Mansfield Campus Administrator; Kate Billmeyer, Senior Director of Philanthropy, Mansfield University Mountaineer Foundation; and Randall Black, President and CEO of FCCB.