HCS Students Gain College Credit at Top-Tier Universities
Submission Date: December 21, 2021
Release Date: For Immediate Release
Contact: J.D. Hardin, 770-957-6601 ext. 01161, john.hardin@henry.k12.ga.us
(Release # 0021-12-2021)
HCS Students Gain College Credit at Top-Tier Universities
Students get Ivy League experience without leaving Henry County
HENRY COUNTY, GA – Stepping off the stage with a high school diploma in hand is the culmination of years of hard work in school. That accomplishment is even more enhanced with valuable college credit some students earn through long-standing dual enrollment programs. Recently, Henry County Schools expanded its dual enrollment post-secondary institutions to include Harvard and Stanford, and the expanded access to top-tier universities is giving students in Henry County Schools the motivation and valuable college credit to keep pursuing post-secondary success.
Several students from McDonough High School and Stockbridge High School were the first students in Henry County Schools to take advantage of this no-cost opportunity that was piloted during the 2020-2021 school year. Now there are plans to extend these offerings to more than 100 interested students at seven high schools in the district. Starting this spring, these students will have access to dual enrollment courses from Stanford University and Harvard University as a part of their regularly scheduled day.
“Our core business of student learning means were are fully committed as a district to the academic success of every one of our students,” said Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis. “Our students are getting these unique experiences and exposure to top-tier colleges and courses without any financial obligation or having to leave their home school or community.”
With college and career readiness a focus of the recently adopted strategic plan, this is a perfect example of preparing students for the demands and rigors of post-secondary education from some of the most respected higher learning institutions in the country.
While district officials are excited about the students who have taken advantage of the program thus far, there are efforts currently underway to increase participation even more in the years ahead.
“We’d love to see every student graduate from one of our high schools having already had a college experience,” shared Chief Learning & Performance Officer Melissa Morse. “And for the students taking advantage of this opportunity with Harvard and Stanford, we know that level of rigor will better prepare them when they become full-time college students. Having the opportunity to experience this level of rigor and academic exposure will well prepare them for future opportunities, and we are glad we can provide it for them right here in Henry County Schools.”
For more information on Henry County Schools, visit www.henry.k12.ga.us.
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