Alexandria City Public Schools wants to help students of color get into STEM fields, while helping them pay for higher education.

Under a program slated to launch in 2024, a select group of ninth-graders will be able to receive a free associate’s degree from Northern Virginia Community College that would transfer credits to George Mason University and Virginia Tech. .

“We are thrilled to be able to offer a free associate’s degree to our students and families,” Superintendent Gregory Hutchings said during Tuesday night’s State of the Schools address. “Our students will concurrently graduate from high school in four years.”

Around 100 students will be selected for the program, and possible degrees under consideration include information technology, engineering, biology and education.

According to a tweet from CSPA, the partnership aims to increase enrollment of students of color in STEM programs and high-demand fields, while reducing the financial burden of college on families.

Area of ​​Interest: Early College

We are excited to offer a FREE associate’s degree to our families while students simultaneously earn a four-year high school diploma. #ACPSStateOfTheSchools pic.twitter.com/cELZQPl1dh

— Alexandria City Public Schools (@ACPSk12) March 1, 2022

Like WTOP on Facebook and follow the OMCP on Twitter and instagram to start a conversation about this article and others.

Get the latest news and daily headlines delivered to your inbox by signing up here.

© 2022 OMCP. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located in the European Economic Area.