Students graduate high school with associate degree in hand
By Jay Dewey
Special to Inside
As part of an innovative new program to be launched this summer, high school students in the Chicago Public Schools will have the opportunity to earn a diploma and an associate degree in Network Systems Administration at the same time.
The DeVry University Advantage Academy is a result of a partnership between DeVry University and the CPS Office of Education-to-Careers. Beginning in July, up to 125 students who have just completed their sophomore year in high school will take free classes toward their degree at DeVry. When the students graduate in 2006, those students will receive both their NSA associate degree as well as their high school diploma.
During the school year, students will take high school classes taught by CPS teachers and college classes taught by DeVry University faculty, all at DeVry University’s Chicago campus.
The Advantage Academy curriculum is designed to transform high school outcomes and give well-motivated students a significant career advantage, while meeting CPS and State of Illinois high school graduation requirements while students are enrolled in the university.
Since they will be considered DeVry University students, Advantage Academy students will have use of DeVry’s laboratory and library facilities; be eligible for the university’s counseling, mentoring, and career development services; be able to participate in DeVry’s professional student organizations; and have access to paid internships through the university.
Approximately 125 students will participate in the 2004-2005 school year, with a goal of doubling the program size for the 2005-2006 school year. The first class will graduate with their high school diploma and college degree in 2006. There is no cost to the students. The cost to the CPS for the two-year program is approximately $3.5 million, which covers textbooks, course materials, lab fees, facilities and tuition.
The Chicago Board of Education authorized the creation of the program in an emergency-action poll of Board members April 29. The Board is expected to officially ratify this action at its meeting next Wednesday.
CPS students are eligible to apply for Advantage Academy in their sophomore year of high school if they have a 90 percent or higher attendance rate, hold at least a 2.5 GPA, and pass a DeVry University entrance exam.
As part of the agreement, DeVry will also provide CPS high school faculty with staff development and training to update their technology education skills.
For more details about the Advantage Academy program, call (773) 697-2258. |
