UA and Portage Lakes Career Center partner for Early College High School
The University of Akron and the Portage Lakes Career Center signed an agreement Dec. 19 that will give students from Coventry High School, Green High School, Manchester High School and Springfield High School the opportunity to tackle college-level academics while still in high school and earn a college degree free of charge along with their diploma.
This unique partnership between a university and a career center to facilitate an Early College High School is the first of its kind in Ohio. This new Early College High School will use the successful award-winning model that began in 2007 as a collaboration between The University of Akron’s College of Applied Science and Technology and Akron Public Schools.
Signing the agreement are, from left, Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, interim dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology, UA President Matthew Wilson and Dr. Benjamin Moore, superintendent of the Portage Lakes Career Center.
KnowledgeWorks, a national organization committed to ensuring student success in college, career and civic life, has been instrumental to the Early College High School model through its expertise in professional development for teachers and administrators, and guidance in planning, developing and funding.
“We are excited about the doors The University of Akron and its new partnership with Portage Lakes Career Center will open for students in northeast Ohio,” stated Judy Peppler, KnowledgeWorks President and CEO. “Through the career center, The University of Akron will now not only provide to high school students the opportunity to earn free college credit, but also enhanced career training and credentials throughout this community.”
The goal is to create reliable pathways that produce more college- and career-ready citizens. “90 percent of our Akron Early College High School students graduate with an associate degree within days of high school graduation,” said Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, interim dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology. “We have created an accelerator pipeline for students who will be able to leverage their required high school curriculum and technical training into additional college and/or career opportunities. The impact of this for our students and our community is significant.”
Dr. Benjamin Moore, right, superintendent of the Portage Lakes Career Center, leads a tour of the center with UA President Matthew Wilson and other guests.
The new partnership formed between UA’s College of Applied Science and Technology and the Portage Lakes Career Center has developed an unprecedented model that will allow students to earn a free associate degree from the University while completing high school. Early College High School students will earn technical credits through their career technical program and complete their academic general education requirements in the center’s distance learning lab.
“The mission of Portage Lakes Career Center is to develop life-long learners with the skills, expertise and knowledge needed for career and college success,” explained Dr. Benjamin Moore, superintendent of the school. “This unique partnership provides students with the opportunity to learn technical skills, attain industry certifications, prepare for a career and earn a UA degree upon graduation from high school — at no cost.”
The Portage Lakes Career Center Early College High School program starts for a student the summer before they begin their junior year. The first cohort will be established in the spring/summer of 2017. For more information, contact Moore at bmoore@plcc.edu or call 330-896-8290.
Media contact: Lisa Craig, 330-972-7429 or lmc91@uakron.edu.