Inaugural academy a success

By submitted, 04/15/19 2:15 PM

HOPE – At the beginning of the 2018-19 school year, the University of Arkansas at Hope and the Hope Public School District (HPSD) began a pilot program to offer students a chance to earn a high school diploma and an associate degree simultaneously. The program known as the Hope Collegiate Academy allows qualified HPSD students to take classes on the U of A Hope campus.  “It is a true delight to watch our first class of Hope Collegiate Academy students transition to their second year of the Academy. I have witnessed the overwhelming success they have accomplished in this first year and the beginning of a new year that will provide them with unmatched opportunity,” said Chris Thomason, UAHT Chancellor.

Every one of the twenty-three students in the inaugural Hope Collegiate Academy class is on track to complete their tenth-grade year of high school and have raised their college entrance exam scores. “This group of students has worked tremendously hard this year to prepare for their junior year. I am very proud of their accomplishments. The success of this group proves that when students are given high expectations, work hard, have a full support system, and are encouraged they can rise to the task and be successful. I can’t wait to see them walk across the UAHT stage and receive their associate’s degree as high school seniors,” said Mikki Curtis, Hope Collegiate Academy Dean.

Today the students registered for their junior year classes where they will take twelve to fourteen college credit hours. “These Academy students will now be fully immersed in the college environment with an academic schedule that is almost completely made up of college classes. No other experience in Arkansas provides this type of opportunity, support or experience for students. Based on the success of these students in their first year, no one should ever question the potential of our students when they are provided with world-class educational opportunities. The Hope Collegiate Academy is an extraordinary educational program, but it is most remarkable because of the extraordinary students that are achieving success within this innovative model,” said Thomason.

For more information about the Hope Collegiate Academy, call Mikki Curtis at 870-722-8133 or email mikki.curtis@uacch.edu.