New Partnership Gives Schenectady High Students a Direct Path to UAlbany
By Amy Geduldig
(Oct. 20, 2026) — The University at Albany and the Schenectady City School District announced today a new partnership that guarantees eligible students admission to the University upon high school graduation.
Under the agreement, Schenectady High students who earn a 90 GPA and complete Algebra II – or a higher-level math course with a grade of C or better — will be guaranteed admission to the University as first-year students. Eligible students also will receive a merit scholarship upon enrolling at the University.
The partnership is designed to give students greater certainty about their college options while connecting them with UAlbany resources before they graduate. Through the program, students will have early access to academic advising, financial aid guidance and student support services, while UAlbany will work with Schenectady High counselors to provide application assistance and pre-college programming.
UAlbany President Havidán Rodríguez and Schenectady City School District Superintendent Dr. Carlos M. Cotto Jr. formally signed the agreement today during a ceremony held at Schenectady High attended by students, faculty, staff, elected officials and community partners.
“Applying to college can be filled with uncertainty, so the University at Albany is proud to have signed a new assured admission agreement with the Schenectady City School District that gives students a clear path to a college degree. This program is part of UAlbany’s deep commitment to serving the Capital Region – ensuring our neighbors have access to UAlbany’s world-class academics and ensuring that our community has the workforce it needs to move forward. I am so grateful to the Schenectady City School District for their partnership,” said Havidán Rodríguez, President of the University at Albany.
The agreement reflects a shared commitment between UAlbany and Schenectady High to make the path to college more accessible to local students and remove barriers that often stand between students and a college degree. Students who enroll at the University will benefit from early access to academic advising, financial aid guidance and advisory support services. The University also will collaborate with Albany High counselors to provide application assistance and pre-college programming.
“Every student deserves the opportunity to dream big, pursue their goals, and see a clear pathway to success,” said Dr. Carlos M. Cotto, Jr., Superintendent of the Schenectady City School District. “This partnership with the University at Albany is more than college admission. It is about removing barriers, opening doors, and ensuring our scholars know that their potential is limitless. Through guaranteed admission and merit scholarships, we are turning possibilities into real opportunities for our students and families. I am grateful to President Rodríguez and the UAlbany team for their shared commitment to educational equity and for believing, as we do, that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed.”
The University signed a similar agreement with the Albany High School earlier this year. These partnerships strengthen the local education and workforce pipeline in the Capital Region, creating a more direct route for students to earn a degree at UAlbany and pursue careers in the area.
