UofA Hope-Texarkana Collegiate Academies lead the State in HS seniors graduating with Associate Degrees and High School Diplomas simultaneously
According to data released by the Arkansas Department of Education, the top two high schools in Arkansas for students graduating with their high school diploma and Associate of Arts degree simultaneously are Arkansas High School in Texarkana and Hope High School in Hope, Arkansas. The two high schools partner with the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana to offer the Hope and Arkansas High Collegiate Academies, which allow students to earn their associate degree and high school diploma at the same time at no cost to the student. For the graduating class of 2024, UAHT was responsible for a remarkable 20.5% of all high school graduates in Arkansas who graduated with an associate degree. The class of 2024 consisted of 23 graduates from the Hope Collegiate Academy and 16 from the Arkansas High Collegiate Academy.
“We feel this is one of the best opportunities ever afforded to students in Arkansas,” said Dr. Christine Holt, UAHT Chancellor. “The collegiate academies give many students who may not have otherwise had the opportunity the ability to attend college while saving them thousands of dollars in tuition, fees, and other costs. We are thankful for the desire of these school districts to partner with the college to provide this unique and life-changing opportunity to their students. The program is also a testament to our staff and faculty who provide these opportunities and help guide our students to success.”
The collegiate academies are the only full college immersion programs of their kind in Arkansas, where students take classes full-time on the college campus while still participating in extra-curricular activities on their high school campuses. On average, collegiate academy graduates save $19,738 compared to the cost of the first two years at an Arkansas public four-year university. Of the academy graduates who transferred to four-year universities, 100% received scholarships and began at four-year universities taking junior-level courses. Many took advantage of the Arkansas Transfer Achievement Scholarship, which allowed them to attend the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville at UAHT’s tuition rate. These students are prepared to succeed at a four-year university or the workplace by learning to adapt to the rigor of college courses.
“The Texarkana Arkansas School District is proud of the partnership between Arkansas High School and UAHT,” said Dr. Lloyd Jackson, Texarkana Arkansas School District Superintendent. “This collaboration offers our students a unique opportunity to get a head start on their college education while providing significant cost savings to families. We are committed to providing our students with the tools and resources to succeed academically and professionally.”
Congratulations to all students and educators for doing the hard work to achieve these honors …and for generating another TXK superlative to celebrate!