East Cleveland News

On Tuesday, December 20, the entire 8th grade classes of both Monticello and Roxboro Middle Schools visited the Eastern Campus of Cuyahoga Community College for a day that Superintendent Elizabeth Kirby described as a “big, big deal.”

“We are launching something that is important and significant and potentially life-changing,” she told the assembled Class of 2027 at the first ever College, Career, Connections Day.

Students had the opportunity to hear from inspirational speakers, including high school football coach Mac Stephens. There were also interactive activities as students viewed college boards made by AVID students, talked with guidance counselors about how to select high school courses, and learned about the GEAR UP program. But perhaps the most exciting and “potentially life-changing” thing announced that day was the Associate Degree Pathway.

Tri-C and CH-UH are launching a new opportunity for current 8th graders to earn an Associate’s Degree by the time they graduate from Heights High, reducing the amount of time they would spend in college (and the amount of money they would spend on college) by half.

As part of this program, next year’s 9th graders can enroll in an introductory college level course focused on reading, writing, and study skills. This course will be similar to those currently offered by AVID but will come with college credit, free of charge to families. If students perform well in that course and maintain a 3.0 grade point average, they can then enroll in additional college courses while at Heights. To learn more about this important opportunity, 8th grade parents should plan to attend the College Credit Plus (CCP) meeting on January 11 (more information on that evening program will follow in the new year).

This new Associate’s Degree Pathway is part of the district’s focus on College and Career Readiness, directed by Bob Swaggard. Funding for this program comes from the GEAR UP and CCP dollars that already exist. “We’re just maximizing what we already have” he said.

This cohort of students, along with those from the classes of 2023 and 2028, will be followed through their first year of college as part of GEAR UP. In addition to the Tri-C opportunity, Mr. Swaggard’s department is working to increase AP enrollment and success as well as the number of students graduating with industry-recognized credentials from Career Technical Education programs. 

“Our big goal is that we know students need to graduate with more than just a diploma,” he said. “They need a plan.” College, Career, Connections Day helped them start to formulate that plan. Meeting with current Heights High students and advisors from Tri-C gave these young people a glimpse of what it takes to get to and stay in college.

All district 8th grade teachers attended the field trip with their students, along with guidance counselors from both the middle and high schools and district administrators. As the parent letter said, “Preparing students for their future is a team effort and we are excited to partner with you for college and career readiness.” 

Original source can be found here.