In an effort to make higher education more accessible to students, Housatonic Community College (HCC) will again partner with Jonathan Law High School (JLHS) to offer classes in Milford this spring. One professor, who pulls double duty as principal of JLHS, has added a third role --student. 

“The program is not only essential in terms of cost and convenience,” JLHS Principal and HCC Professor of Literature Francis Thompson said. "But for me, it's become much more than that. My students urged me to pursue my doctorate, so I enrolled in a program at The University of Bridgeport.” 

“I have students working full-time, raising children full-time and somehow making time for my classes." Thompson said. "There really isn’t an excuse and they helped me realize that. Whenever I start to feel overwhelmed, I think of my HCC students and their commitment.”

“Teaching these classes for so many years has been inspiring.” Thompson said. “Being part of a process that might not work at a larger institution has shifted both the way I teach and learn. My composition class has evolved into a kind of writer’s workshop that benefits greatly from working closely with a diverse group of students.”

Since 1984, HCC has offered classes at Jonathan Law during the evening hours consisting of both for-credit and college prep classes. The Milford location brings HCC’s strengths in educating working professionals, adult learners and high school students to a convenient location.

“This program just opens up more opportunities for students.” Thompson said. “I can proudly say it even opened up a big opportunity for me.”

For more information on the Milford classes including registration details, please visit http://www.housatonic.edu/degrees-and-certificates/satellite-classes or contact Bill Griffin at (203) 332-5056