New program offers college classes to high schoolers

A new program offered by the University of Delaware in conjunction with public, private and charter high schools will allow students to take college courses and earn credit for them.

Slated to begin fall 2020, the program is open to high school juniors and seniors who meet minimum requirements. In order to participate, a student must be recommended by a high school official, and have at least a 3.6 grade point average, or either a minimum SAT or PSAT score of 600 verbal and 600 math, or successful completion with good grades in Advanced Placement, honors or International Baccalaureate classes.

University of Delaware President Dennis Assanis said students will be able to take up to five UD courses through interactive online classes streamed from the Newark campus.

“These students will have an unparalleled opportunity to experience college-level academics, interact virtually with undergraduates on our Newark campus and earn free academic credit that will help lower the cost of their education,” Assanis said in a statement. “This program is a substantive addition to the university’s ongoing efforts to increase affordability and access to higher education for residents of the First State.”

Introductory courses that will be offered include astronomy, philosophy and art history. Students who successfully complete a course will have the credit and grade added to their UD transcript. If students enroll at another university or college, the credits may transfer. Each institution has its own transfer policies; UD cannot guarantee another college or university will accept these transfer credits, but general education credits typically transfer when students have a grade of C or better, officials said.

A small number of Delaware high schools will offer the program in the first year, and discussions are underway with several high schools, said Andrea Boyle Tippett, a University of Delaware spokeswoman. All 74 of Delaware's public, charter and private high schools will be eligible to participate in the program, she said.

Each year, UD will offer a total of five courses in the Early College Credit Program. Students can enroll in just one course or all five over the course of their junior and senior years. Tippett said state funds have not been used for the program.

By taking all five, three-credit courses, students can complete a full semester of college study while still in high school. All courses will satisfy UD’s general education requirements, which are designed to ensure students are both broadly and deeply educated to be engaged citizens equipped with essential skills needed to thrive in the world.

Delaware Secretary of Education Susan Bunting said the program is a great opportunity for high school students.

“I am excited that this dual-enrollment program will make college courses more accessible and affordable to Delaware high school students,” she said. “This is the kind of innovative partnership between higher education and K12 schools that our students need.”