EDGE - Earn a Degree, Gradute Early, at Union Public Schools will target first-generation college students, those who come from families who have had no experience with college or expectation that their children will attend a university.
Student Reflections on EDGE
Erin Hillhouse, Class of 2022
“I like EDGE: Earn a Degree, Graduate Early, formerly known as Early College High School, because it gets the pre-requisites out of the way so I can go right to the courses related to my major in college."
Kimberly Ibarra, Class of 2020
“EDGE: Earn a Degree, Graduate Early, formerly known as Early College High School, helped me get once step closer to my dreams. I am, and always will be, beyond thankful for the amazing opportunity I was given to further my education by receiving my associate degree while still in high school."
Keirsten Metcalf, Class of 2022
“Being accepted into EDGE: Earn a Degree, Graduate Early, formerly known as Early College High School, is an opportunity I’m thankful to be a part of. This program helped me to step out on faith and challenge myself, provided me with a jumpstart in college, and allowed me to alleviate some of the parental financial responsibilities towards continuing my education. A quote that resonates with me during this journey is, “If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” (Maya Angelou)
Alyssa Warren, Class of 2020
"Being in EDGE: Earn a Degree, Graduate Early, formerly known as Early College High School, has helped me step into my adult life before even graduating high school; I’ll leave Union High School with an associate degree and a developed understanding of how to be successful in college courses while maintaining a part-time job, family duties, and any other obstacles I may face."
Aaron Chambers, Class of 2021
“EDGE: Earn a Degree, Graduate Early, formerly known as Early College High School, through a series of events, contributed greatly to my development of becoming the person I wanted to be. The entire program, from the students and teachers I interacted and formed relationships with, to the challenges that I had to tackle when transitioning in the very beginning and again when social distancing practices went into place. EDGE is the reason I applied to colleges and a huge contributor to me making it through high school due to my own desire. The program helped me see my full potential was greater than I previously believed and I could reach it if only I tried my hardest to meet the challenges thrown at me day in and day out. Earn a Degree, Graduate Early is why one of my favorite words is “kaizen,” the idea of changing for the better.”
Bryan Flores, Class of 2021
“Tulsa Community College has not only allowed me to develop skills that many students my age simply don’t possess, but also, TCC has put me a step closer to becoming a pediatrician."