Little Flower High School and DeSales University have entered a new partnership that offers students the opportunity to earn college credit while completing their high school education.
In addition to strengthening their portfolios with university-level coursework, eligible students will benefit from guaranteed admission to DeSales programs in early childhood education, special education, secondary education and the combined early childhood elementary and special education track.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to preparing the next generation of compassionate leaders in education,” said Erin McLaughlin, dean of the College of Arts, Education and Humanities at DeSales. “By engaging in college-level courses early, Little Flower students will experience life as part of a university community while building a strong foundation for their future careers as teachers and mentors.”
McLaughlin was joined at the announcement by Katie Blamey, associate dean of the School of Education; Carolyn Wood, professor of the Introduction to Education course; and Frankie, the bulldog mascot.
As part of the partnership, DeSales will also offer a renewable scholarship to Little Flower graduates who enroll full-time at the university after completing the dual enrollment program. Scholarship awards range from $22,000 to $30,000 per year.
Students earn credits that can shorten time to degree completion and reduce overall tuition costs.
“At Little Flower, we are committed to creating clear pathways to success for every student. This program, together with the university scholarship opportunity, will expand access to higher education and empower our students to secure bright and promising futures,” said Kristie Dugan, Little Flower president.
Added principal Kathleen Radebaugh: “This is a tremendous opportunity for students and families. The benefit is access to college-level courses. The other big benefit is the scholarship agreement.”
LF officials were joined by cheerleaders, the Sentinel mascot and students enrolled in the course.
Brian Conroy’s daughter Addison, a junior, is in the three-credit class and will also be in next semester’s course and the two offered next year. He is thrilled Little Flower is giving his daughter a chance to earn 12 college credits.
“She works hard, and Little Flower is so supportive of her,” he said. “If you want to learn, this is the right place for you. This is a learning experience at the college level.”
Classes meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday in LF’s Sister Kathleen Klarich, RSM Center for Academic Excellence. A screen shows Wood in a DeSales classroom with college students. There are 13 LF students and 27 DeSales students in the class.
Little Flower offers students with high grade point averages a chance to apply for the program. ••
