The following story is from the University of Washington about a new collaboration between the UW and the Kent School District. Called the UW Accelerated Program, the two schools outlined the details of the program Friday.
In winter 2011, the University of Washington is launching an accelerated program allowing students to graduate in three years. It allows high school students to enroll in UW courses, mostly held in the comfort of their own school as well as during the summer on the UW campus. Students will earn a UW Accelerated Program certificate upon successful completion of the 45-credit program.
The UW Accelerated Program introduces students to the rigors and expectations of university-level coursework and smoothes the transition from high school to college. It also offers students a stronger application for admission to the UW built on a proven record of success in UW coursework.
The UW is collaborating with Kent School District to pilot the program, with plans to expand the program to other districts across the state in 2012. Kent was chosen for its strong interest and early commitment. Working with its diverse student population in the pilot phase will also provide a good test case for students and school districts across the state.
Edward Lee Vargas, superintendent of the Kent School District (and UW alumnus), stated, “I’m excited about our UW partnership and the tremendous opportunities for our students as we focus on accelerating equity and excellence in college and career readiness for all.” David Szatmary, UW vice provost for Educational Outreach, said, “We’re pleased by this opportunity for the UW to help coordinate a smoother path from high school to college.”
The UW Accelerated Program builds on the framework of UW in the High School (UWHS) by expanding offerings to 45 UW credits. For nearly 30 years, UWHS has provided UW courses in English composition, history, world languages, computing, mathematics and sciences to its partner K-12 school districts. Accredited by the National Association for Concurrent Enrollment, supported by several UW academic departments and administered by UW Educational Outreach, UWHS last year reached more than 2,700 students in 60 schools throughout the state. Students complete UW courses — and earn UW credit — in their own classrooms with their own teachers who work with a UW academic liaison.
UW Accelerated Program students will earn most of their 45 UW credits during the school year while participating in UWHS courses offered by their school.
For more information, go the UW Web site at www.washington.edu
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