FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – Wilson High School in Florence and Florence Darlington Technical College are partnering together for an early college program
The program will offer students at Wilson High School the chance to earn college credits, while still in high school.
In four years, students will not only be given a high school diploma but an associate’s degree. Then the credits the students get can transfer to ant state supported school in South Carolina.
Wilson High School Principal Dr. Eric Robinson says in order for students to get into the program they’ll need to apply through the college, have a certain GPA and two letters of recommendation.
Dr. Robinson says the early college program will help expand the school’s dual enrollment program. He also mentions that it will help families keep money in their pockets and prepare students for life after high school.
“We thought we were going to have only twenty to twenty five students, but we end up with close to thirty eight. I’m actually turning students away and telling them that they’re going to have to apply again in the spring. It’s been very supported by our school board and our superintendent Dr. Bridges and I’m just very excited about it,” explained Robinson.
Fifteen year-old Janiyah Plowden is a sophomore at Wilson High School. She is one of nearly 40 students enrolled in the early college program.
“I know when I get my high school diploma, I’ll already have my associates in science and so I won’t have to worry about getting my associates in science. I can go to college and already have that down and just go ahead and start getting my other degrees,” Plowden said.
Principal Dr. Robinson says right now the school has three goals and that is for students to graduate, get an associate’s degree and then hopefully move on to attend a university.
