WSU dedicates scholarships for partnership program

Making the transition to college just got a little easier for local, academically inclined high school students.

Wichita State University has created a scholarship program for high school students in the concurrent enrollment partnership program.

Participants with qualifying grade point averages and grades are admitted to the WSU program and earn high school and WSU credit for courses taught by WSU-approved high school teachers. The courses closely follow curriculum taught in the WSU on-campus sections.

“Providing college-bound high school students the opportunity to get an early start on their college education is very important, and we are excited to be able to enhance our scholarship program for individuals looking to take advantage of our concurrent enrollment classes,” said Wade Robinson, vice president for campus life and university relations. “The ability to complete a college degree more quickly is attractive to many students, and we are pleased that we can meet their needs.”

The scholarship will pay the tuition portion of students’ tuition and fee bills. Students who also participate in the National School Lunch Program will receive an additional scholarship to pay for the fees portion of their bills.

“It is critically important for Wichita State University to make a university education accessible for all qualified students,” said Keith Pickus, associate provost. “The decision to fully scholarship the cost of concurrent enrollment for economically disadvantaged students is consistent with WSU’s urban serving mission.”

Concurrent enrollment partnership students may take a variety of courses, many of which fulfill general education requirements for a bachelor’s degree. Courses offered depend upon teacher qualifications, but many students take English, public speaking and college algebra. Approximately half of the students participating in the program later pursue degrees at WSU.

“Students who report back always say that it (participating in concurrent enrollment) was the best decision they ever made and encouraged others to take as many courses as possible,” said Kim Hoetmer, counselor, Goddard High School. “They noted that the early credits helped them start their degree program sooner and was a nice transition to college. The only hesitancy on the part of parents and students was the cost.”

Additional scholarship money has been permanently allocated to the program. At this time, sixteen high schools in Sedgwick County are involved in WSU’s concurrent enrollment partnership program. During the 2009-2010 school year, approximately 500 students took courses for WSU concurrent enrollment credit.

“I look forward to enhancing the partnership with the area high schools to ensure that all qualified students interested in pursuing concurrent enrollment opportunities are able to do so," said Pickus.