UA helping Barberton high school students get jumpstart on college

The University of Akron and Barberton City Schools have signed an agreement that will give Barberton students the opportunity to complete college-level academic courses while in high school, earning valuable college course credits toward a degree at UA. The new partnership is called the Barberton High School Early College Program.

“Ninety percent of our Akron Public School Early College High School students graduate with an associate degree within days of high school graduation,” said Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology, which has been running the program since 2007. “We have created a pipeline for students to leverage their required high school curriculum into additional college and/or career opportunities. The impact this has for our students and our community is significant. With the creation of the Barberton Early College High School, we are looking to replicate that success.”

“The mission of Barberton’s program is to develop life-long learners with the skills, expertise and knowledge needed for career and college success,” notes Jeff Ramnytz, superintendent of the Barberton City School District. “This unique partnership provides students with the opportunity to prepare for a career and earn credits toward a degree from The University of Akron upon graduation from high school—at no cost.”

The Barberton High School Early College Program starts the summer before a student begins his or her freshman year in high school. The program was launched this summer.

For more information on the Barberton High School Early College Program, contact the Barberton Schools Administration office online or call 330-753-1025.

Media contact: Lisa Craig, 330-972-7429 or lmc91@uakron.edu.