Education (Birth - 12th Grade)
Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)
Child Development Associate (CDA) certification strengthens the early childhood workforce and opens pathways to higher education.
The CDA three (3) course program, launched to address the need for skilled professionals in early childhood, equips early childhood professionals with essential skills and knowledge to directly support the development of young children. Participants who complete the Early Childhood Education series, earn nine (9) college credits. This micro-credential provides a strong entry point to higher education, leading to an industry-recognized certificate, and increased potential for academic and career advancement.
Critical Literacy Prep Program
The critical literacy program is an afterschool program for 7th and 8th grade students offered in partnership with Niagara Falls City School District to strengthen essential literacy skills. The program runs 5 consecutive sessions, one day per week in the Fall and Spring. The lessons are focused on reading, writing, speaking, and listening, while also developing and using higher-order thinking skills needed for college and career readiness.
Niagara University students pursuing their Master’s degree in education, deliver literacy- based lessons under the supervision of a NYS certified teacher. This practice enables them to hone lesson planning, literacy foundations, and classroom management skills essential to their preparation as future teachers.
Esports
The Esports program creates an innovative pathway for juniors and seniors to earn
college credit while exploring high-demand career fields. Courses are taught at the high
school and on campus by university professors and are aligned with computer
information science and business marketing majors. Students gain valuable exposure to
collegiate academics, interact with Niagara University students, and participate in
collaborative gaming projects during the spring semester. The courses are designed to
build leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. The program combines
academic technology and experiential learning to prepare students for future college
and career opportunities in growing fields of data analytics, digital marketing, and
network infrastructure.
Bridges to Excellence
The Building Bridges to Excellence and Inclusion program provides college, career, and workforce readiness support to students with IEP/504 plans and their caregivers. Through generous funding from the Peter and Elizabeth Tower Foundation, wrap-around supports are offered through university resources, community
partners, and trained program staff to prepare students for transition into adulthood.
Early College Smart Scholars (Grades 9 -12)
The Early College Smart Scholars program is a transformative college access and success pipeline that prepares students in grades 9–12 for postsecondary education and career pathways.
Students are recruited beginning in 8th grade from Gaskill and LaSalle Preparatory Schools, establishing a strong and intentional pipeline into the program. Once registered, students visit Niagara University throughout the school year for academic enrichment, college readiness, and mentorship with NU students, faculty and staff.
Beginning the summer after their sophomore year, students enroll in credit-bearing courses at Niagara University, taught by university faculty. These courses emphasize:
- Advanced literacy and academic skill development
- Social-emotional growth
- Practical life and college readiness skills
In their junior and senior year, participants benefit from dual enrollment opportunities with the potential to earn up to 30 or more credits, which could drastically reduce the cost of college.
In addition to providing meaningful financial benefits to families, the program also builds confidence, skills, and knowledge necessary for postsecondary success.
Rooted in the Vincentian tradition, Early College Smart Scholars empowers students to envision their futures, pursue opportunity, and become leaders in their communities.
