Stony Brook University and Suffolk County Community College have announced a new initiative, “Sharks and Seawolves at Stony Brook Southampton,” aimed at providing East End students with opportunities to earn transferable college credits. The program, set to launch on January 26, 2026, will be held at the Stony Brook Southampton campus and will offer select courses from both institutions.
The partnership involves Stony Brook Southampton, Suffolk’s Eastern Campus, and Hampton Bays Union Free School District. It is designed for high school students, current college students, and adult learners in the region. Participants can enroll in one to three courses taught by faculty from either institution. Students from Hampton Bays High School will travel to the campus as part of the pilot program, while other East End high school students are also eligible to apply.
Wendy Pearson, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Executive Director of Stony Brook Southampton, said: “We envision this program as a powerful bridge for East End learners, from our local high schools to Suffolk County Community College and onward to Stony Brook University, the flagship of the State University of New York and the state’s number one public research university. Our goal is to retain and cultivate the well-educated talent emerging from our East End communities, students who can build meaningful careers, strengthen the regional workforce, and contribute to the future of Long Island.”
Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College stated: “We see this partnership as an exciting new pathway for East End students to begin their college journey with the full support of Suffolk County Community College and Stony Brook University. By bringing high-quality, affordable courses directly to the Southampton campus, we are helping students stay connected to their communities, explore academic and career possibilities, and build the strong foundation they need for future success.”
Dr. Mary Reese, Executive Dean and Chief Operating Officer at Suffolk County Community College’s Eastern Campus added: “By connecting learners to the region’s premier public institutions, the initiative supports workforce development, community vitality, and long-term talent retention on the East End.”
Lars Clemensen, Superintendent for Schools at Hampton Bays Union Free School District commented: “For us, this early college programming is more than giving students access to the rigor of college level coursework. It is about exposing high school students to the college campus experience – the development of self-advocacy and enterprise, certainly a cost-savings, and a true exposure to what post-secondary life is like.”
Kurt Bretsch PhD., Advanced Senior Lecturer and Faculty Director for Semester by the Sea program at Stony Brook Southampton noted: “Along with our existing three summer courses that are open to college and high students, this new Stony Brook Southampton course will further strengthen connections with East End schools. While learning about culturally and ecologically important marine organisms of our region, participants will also be introduced to the many future opportunities for involvement in coursework, research, and internships with our marine science faculty and partner organizations on the East End.”
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More information about registration can be found on both Stony Brook University and Suffolk County Community College websites.
