SPOKANE, Wash. – Students at University High School will be able to pursue an AA degree starting their freshman year of high school.
Eastern Washington University (EWU) and Spokane Community College (SCC) already allowed students to take classes through partnerships with the Central Valley School District (CVSD), but a new agreement between EWU, SCC and the school district will allow students to pursue an AA degree directly while in high school.
The Associate of Arts Direct Transfer Agreement will allow University High School students to work towards an AA degree while on campus.
“I’m thrilled our ideas merged into this new partnership. It provides a great option for our CVSD students who want to earn their two-year college degree yet stay at their own high school campus,” Central Valley Superintendent John Parker said.
After students enrolled in the program graduate high school, they will have an AA degree from SCC and be able to transfer to EWU according to CVSD. They will then be able to finish the degree at EWU.
EWU President Shari McMahan looks forward to the impact the program will have upon educational access in Spokane.
“Eastern is proud to continue our longstanding community partnerships with our local school districts and the Community Colleges of Spokane,” McMahan said.
Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal articulated the state’s support for the program.
“This program will tear down barriers for each and every student within Central Valley and Spokane who wants to engage in advanced coursework and graduate from high school with an associate degree,” Reykdal said.
According to US News and World Report, University High School is ranked 129 in Washington for college readiness and 366 for graduation rates.
