Since 2016, Western New England University (WNE) has been collaborating with Duggan Academy in Springfield, providing high school students with valuable college-level experiences through an internship program. In 2025, this partnership continues to grow, giving Duggan students unique opportunities to explore college life, engage in hands-on learning, and consider careers in education.
This year, seven Duggan Academy students and two faculty members are participating in the program, which provides high school juniors and seniors with a first-hand look at what it is like to attend college. This year's group is the latest cohort to take part in the program, which has seen some important milestones over the past few years, including a record number of participants going on to enroll at WNE.
A Rich Learning Experience for Duggan Students
WNE’s Ray Ostendorf, a faculty member in the College of Education, has run the internship for eight years, with a brief pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, Duggan students are participating in a range of activities designed to provide them with a well-rounded view of college life, including sitting in on a college-level course (ED 350), experiencing a campus tour, and interacting with WNE students and faculty.
The ED 350 course, where students learn about educational theories and teaching practices, is a standout for the Duggan interns. Ostendorf says that WNE students in the class, as well as faculty like Professor of Education Deb Patterson, actively engage with the Duggan students, making the experience more interactive and enriching. “They really enjoy the ED 350 lesson,” he explains. “Deb does a fantastic job of involving the Duggan students, and it creates a real sense of community between the WNE and Duggan students."
In addition to the academic experiences, students also participate in activities outside the classroom, including lunch in the WNE Dining Hall—a fun and casual setting where relationships between the two groups can grow.
Building Relationships and Career Pathways
Over the past few years, Duggan students have increasingly expressed interest in teaching careers, with several enrolling at WNE to pursue education majors. Ostendorf notes that three Duggan interns have chosen to attend WNE in the past two years, and one has already declared a double major in Elementary Education and Psychology. As he puts it, the internship helps Duggan students not only see themselves as college students but also provides them with the confidence to succeed in a higher education environment. “The goal is to help them see themselves as future college students and prepare them for that experience,” he says.
The internship program also serves as a way to nurture the next generation of educators. By working closely with college students and faculty, Duggan students are encouraged to explore careers in education, whether as teachers, social workers, or counselors. “If the interns also become interested in teaching or working with youth as a result of this experience, that’s a plus,” Ostendorf adds. “But even beyond that, the program is designed to help them succeed academically and socially as they transition into higher education.”
The partnership has already produced measurable results, with six former Duggan interns now enrolled at WNE, a number that continues to grow each year. In addition, Ostendorf has seen a marked increase in the number of Duggan students choosing education-related majors. The program has proven to be not only a valuable academic experience but also an important pathway into the teaching profession.
Strengthening the Teacher Pipeline
In an era where the need for qualified K-12 educators is more pressing than ever, the Duggan-WNE partnership plays an important role in strengthening the teacher pipeline. “We need more teachers who understand the diverse needs of students, especially in urban areas,” says Ostendorf. “Programs like this allow high school students from underrepresented communities to see themselves in higher education and teaching roles.”
In fact, the internship program is a key way that WNE supports this growing need. “The partnership gives Duggan students an opportunity to envision their future, build relationships with WNE faculty, and gain practical insight into the world of education,” Ostendorf explains. “And for us as educators, we benefit from the interns’ fresh perspectives, which help enrich our own teaching practices.”
Student Reflections and Growing Interest
One of the most powerful aspects of the internship is the opportunity for Duggan students to reflect on their experiences. Through weekly written reflections, they are encouraged to assess their college readiness, career aspirations, and the skills needed for success in higher education. These reflections often reveal how the experience has shaped their outlook on education. “We’ve seen some remarkable changes in the way they think about college,” says Ostendorf. “Many students come away from the program with a greater commitment to their own education and a clearer vision for their future.”
As the program enters its ninth year, Ostendorf is excited about its continued impact on both Duggan students and the WNE community. The partnership has already expanded in meaningful ways, with plans to explore similar internships in other departments, such as Occupational Therapy.
“We’ve seen such positive outcomes from this collaboration,” says Ostendorf. “It’s not just about creating a path to higher education; it’s about building a community of learners who will continue to support each other long after the internship ends.”
Looking Forward
The Duggan-WNE partnership has proven to be a win-win, offering invaluable learning opportunities for high school students while fostering future educators in the process. In 2025, the program continues to grow and evolve, with an eye toward expanding the model into other disciplines. As Ostendorf concludes, “This partnership has been mutually beneficial, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
As the program moves forward, both Ostendorf and his colleagues at WNE are committed to strengthening this important connection with Duggan Academy and other schools in the community. The goal remains clear: to help more students see the possibilities of a college education and inspire them to pursue careers in education—where they are needed now more than ever.
