DPS, Richland to expand dual-degree program

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Decatur Public Schools and Richland Community College are celebrating a big milestone and preparing to expand their dual-degree program.

Four years after it's launch, the institutions are celebrating the graduation of the first 25 students from Prep Academy and looking to duplicate it across the entire district.

The academy, which was launched in 2021, is a tuition-free dual enrollment program that allows high school students enrolled in both high school and Richland to earn a high school diploma and an associate's degree at the same time.

In May, 25 students graduated from the inaugural group. According to Richland, they together earned over 1,500 college credit hours, had an averaged Richland GPA of 3.09 and each saved an estimated $26,000 in tuition.

"These students entered the program as 14-year-old high school students and freshmen in college and graduated as 18-year-old high school students with a diploma, associate's degree, and transferable skills to allow them to transition right into universities all over the country," said DPS Executive Director of Innovative Programs and Strategic Planning Ashley Grayned.

Now, Richland is focusing on increasing dual enrollment opportunities across District 61, reaching out to more local high schools. In addition to Prep Academy, Richland offers programs for students interested in the trades and those who want to earn college credits before graduating high school.

"The collaborative effort of Richland Community College and Decatur Public Schools to create the Prep Academy is extraordinary," said Richland Community College President Cris Valdez. "However, the energy, persistence and tenacity of these students outshines all. These young people achieved at high levels and the graduation rate of the first cohort, at 54% nearly doubles the national average for completion."

More information on Prep Academy can be found on the DPS website, and more on all the opportunities for high schoolers can be found on the Richland website.

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