INNOVATIVE PROGRAM HELPS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS EARN COLLEGE CREDITS AND DIPLOMAS AT COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF PHILADELPHIA

PHILADELPHIA, June 9, 2008–Tracy Jarlee was 13 years old when her family fled war-torn Liberia and came to Philadelphia. That was seven years ago. Now, Jarlee will be graduating as salutatorian from Community College of Philadelphia’s Advanced Tech at College program with a year of college credits, as well as graduating as valedictorian from Bartram High School.

The Advanced Tech at College commencement will be at 6 p.m., Wednesday, June 11, in Room BG-10 in the Bonnell Building at 17th and Spring Garden streets. Later this month, Jarlee will graduate from Bartram.

ATC allows high school students to earn up to 24 college credits while completing their last two years of high school at the College. Jarlee is one of 26 students graduating from the dual enrollment program this year.

"High school was a very hectic environment and I would not have had the same opportunity as I got in the [ATC] program. I've had a chance to extend my mind more than I would have with the high school environment," Jarlee said.

Jarlee plans to continue at the College for another year to earn her Associate’s degree before transferring to Temple University. She wants to become a medical doctor.

ATC has enrolled a total of 120 students since 2004. Of the 89 students who have completed the two-year program, 96 percent have gone on to attend college.

Cameo Pritchett, a William Penn High School senior graduating from ATC this month, also is heading to college – Kutztown University – to study education. Pritchett eventually wants to teach middle-school and possibly become a principal. :"Right now, my focus is on really trying to help inner-city youth," Pritchett said.

The ATC graduates, some of whom had to overcome tremendous odds, say the College staff worked hard to help them succeed. "There is no chance of your grades slipping because they stay on top of you and help you get tutoring if you need it," Jarlee said. "There really is no excuse to fail."

She said she jumped at the opportunity to leave the chaotic environment at Bartram for the quieter, more supportive College campus. "I got to learn much more," she said. "There is more teacher and student interaction, more class presentation, and you get over your fears of presenting. When you are listening to different people presenting, you also learn from them."

Monique Henry, an 18-year-old senior who will be graduating from ATC and from Germantown High School as class valedictorian, liked the challenge of college-level courses. "The teachers made us work on our own and grow. I feel that I am more prepared for college as a result," said Henry, who is headed to Pace University this fall with a full scholarship that can take her through graduate school if she stays on track.

ATC Director Linda Hansell said the program has succeeded in its mission to prepare high school students for a seamless transition to college. "Part of the reason for the program’s success is that we have developed an enriched academic content that is complimented by mentoring, tutoring and special senior projects that the students do," Hansell said. "We have a very well-rounded program."

ATC admits about 30 students each year from low-performing high schools in the Philadelphia School District. To qualify, students must have at least a 2.5 grade point average, and they must have maintained an attendance record of at least 90 percent in their freshman and sophomore years.