T he arrangement between Watson Chapel and UAPB seems like quite the nice fit.
Starting next year, high school students can, of course, work toward their diploma, nothing new about that. But in taking advantage of what the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has to offer, they can also work toward an associate degree at the same time.
Superintendent Keith McGee announced the program at this week’s school board meeting, pointing out that high schoolers can earn credits toward both a high school diploma and associate degree. The cost? Nada.
“By the end of their four years at Watson Chapel, they can earn two-year college degrees,” McGee said. “What this allows is for us to be able to teach kids on our own campus.”
The district is going to start with 20 students in the program with the plan to leave the heavy lifting – hiring and overseeing and such – to UAPB.
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McGee pointed out that a Watson Chapel student graduated from high school but also received a degree as a nursing assistant from Southeast Arkansas College.
“The difference is, our kids won’t have to leave now,” McGee said. “They’ll be able to take those courses here in the Watson Chapel School District.”
The arrangement begs for a copy and paste. With this program, Watson Chapel becomes the first school to partner in such a way with UAPB.
But they shouldn’t be the only one. This arrangement both feeds into helping a young person reach their potential and creates a path to the local university with its vast opportunities just waiting to be tapped into. Other school districts, both near and far, should consider following Watson Chapel’s lead here. As the Watson Chapel super said, students can make this happen and do it from the comfort of their own homes.