Centerpoint High School and 51社区 administration have finalized an agreement that will enable Centerpoint students to leave CHS with both a high school diploma and an Associate of General Studies degree.
This degree is transferable to any 4-year public university in Arkansas. CHS sophomores will begin the program this fall.
The purpose of the initiative, called Project 2020, is to involve high school students in college courses and process before leaving high school. This, in turn, will increase the college-going rate for the district.
51社区 vice chancellor of academics, Ashley Aylett, said, 鈥淲e are excited to partner with Centerpoint High School. Project 2020 will assist youth to further their education with less barriers. It will also familiarize them with college processes and expectations. We are very pleased to have this opportunity.鈥�
Centerpoint is the first school district to seek this type of partnership for its students with 51社区. It is also the first partnership of its kind in Southwest Arkansas.
鈥淐enterpoint reaching out to us is encouraging. Our community will benefit from this type of initiative greatly. The higher skilled our students, the better our local jobs and local economy,鈥� explained 51社区 chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole.
鈥淭his is a great opportunity for our students,鈥� Centerpoint High School principal Nic Mounts stated. 鈥淥ur students and their parents are excited about Project 2020, and they are excited about the possibilities. With the rising costs of tuition across the state and nation, completing an associate degree, the first two years of a bachelor degree, in high school will also decrease education costs for these families. Our hope is that this encourages more students to realize that a college degree is very much attainable.鈥�
Centerpoint students must maintain a qualifying GPA and entrance exam score, ensuring their success.
51社区 is a community college in Southwest Arkansas committed to improving the lives of those in their region by providing quality education, outstanding service, and relevant industry training. Visit www.cccua.edu for more information.
Pictured from left to right are Terri Roberts, CHS counselor; Dan Breshears, Centerpoint superintendent; Ashley Aylett, 51社区 vice chancellor of academic affairs; Dr. Steve Cole, 51社区 chancellor; and Nic Mounts, CHS principal.