Tipp City Schools in Ohio has partnered with Sinclair Community College and the University of Cincinnati to establish a new early college program that will allow students to earn credits toward a degree in information technology (IT).
Under the partnership, Tipp City students will have the opportunity to participate in the University of Cincinnati (UC)’s information technology early college program by attending Sinclair courses on the Tippecanoe High School campus and then transfer credits to the university upon completion, according to the Troy Daily News.
Students would then enter UC as sophomores, said Tippecanoe High School principal Steve Verhoff.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity, it’s a unique opportunity, as we are one of the few schools in the state of Ohio that have been able to develop this type of pathway for our students,” Verhoff said.
Melissa Tolle, Sinclair chief school partnerships officer and a parent of a Tipp City students, said the IT career path is a strong one for students to take.
“There’s a 20 percent job expected increase in five to 10 years for students that have a technical degree in IT,” Tolle said. “Giving students this opportunity to do this early helps them to move faster in earning that credential, save their families time and money, and really makes sure they get connected to that career pathway.”
The new “history making” program will make it easier to access and afford a college education by reducing college costs by 20 percent, said Dr. Hazem Said, Information Technology Early College director at UC.
“We are the only research university in the country that has something called automatic admission,” he said.
Tipp City Schools superintendent Gretta Kumpf said the district is excited about this “very special program.” The administration has been working to establish the program with representatives from both institutions since fall 2018, Verhoff added.
