CESW’s PRIZE-Winning Solution to Pennsylvania’s Teacher Shortage
The summer issue of The WCU Magazine looks at teacher education at the University, including the PRIZE Program.
PRIZE — Partnering in Raising Inclusive Zealous Educators — is a dual-enrollment program
launched in January 2023 for high school seniors interested in becoming teachers.
High school students in partner districts can earn up to seven college credits in
education classes for free at West Chester. Costs are shared by the University, University
donors, and the districts. Students return to their home districts to student teach
and are shown preference in sponsor districts for hiring after graduation.
Senior Cece Perrotti, who graduated from Kennett High School in the Kennett Consolidated School District, wanted to be a teacher and wanted to teach in her home school district.
“When I talk to most people about being an educator, a lot of it comes from a love of your community. You want to give back to the community that raised you,” Perrotti says.
Thanks to PRIZE, she will student teach in her home school district and be given consideration for a full-time job.
“In addition to helping with your course load, it builds connections early on and provides you with a chance to develop maturity before you actually get to college,” Perrotti says.
Dr. Katie Solic, PRIZE Program director, says her work with the program has fueled her optimism about the future of education. “What has been so re-energizing for me in PRIZE is that so many of the high school students I engage with are so excited about teaching.”
Interest in PRIZE has grown steadily. Eight students participated in 2023-2024, growing to 26 in the 2025-2026 academic year.