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21 HCPSS Students Earn an Associate Degree While in High School

May 24th, 2022

Twenty-one current high school students will earn their college degrees before graduating high school, as part of the JumpStart dual enrollment program, a partnership between the Howard County Public School System and Howard Community College (HCC).

Since the program’s inception during the 2018-2019 school year, participation has increased 42 percent and currently consists of over 1,000 students. Although thousands of Howard County students are earning college credits before graduating high school, only a small percentage leave high school with their associate degree.

“I am incredibly proud of the students who have earned this tremendous feat and are highly prepared for whatever lies ahead,” said HCPSS Superintendent, Dr. Michael Martirano, who prioritized the expansion of dual enrollment during his first year. “The collaboration with Howard Community College, and the work of our staff to increase access for our middle and high school students to take advantage of dual enrollment opportunities has been tremendous.”

“It is an honor to celebrate these special 21 Howard Community College JumpStart graduates while they are still in high school and recognize their achievements at our commencement ceremony,” said Dr. Daria J. Willis, president of Howard Community College. “Our partnership with HCPSS provides equity and access to higher education for all students, allowing them to save money while advancing their education.”

The various JumpStart dual enrollment offerings are designed to give students access to college courses at HCC or at their high school at a significantly reduced rate and prepare them for a career by earning industry certifications or for further higher education Students who receive their associate degree are able to transfer those credits to another higher education institution to complete a bachelor’s degree.

The list of HCPSS students earning an associate degree are: