Ilitch School launches dual enrollment partnership with two Detroit high schools
Nearly 150 high school students from Cass Tech and Cesar Chavez Academy have begun college courses at the Mike Ilitch School of Business through the Business Springboard Pathway, a dual enrollment partnership between Wayne State University and Detroit Public Schools.
"We are thrilled to welcome this inaugural group of Detroit high school students to the Ilitch School," said Dean Virginia Kleist. "The three business courses, taught by our top-notch faculty, will likely shape students’ vision for their future and will enhance their career paths wherever they may lead. We certainly hope to see these students return to us as WSU business first-year students!" The winter 2023 courses include Student Success and Career Development, Managing Diversity in the Workplace and Special Topics: Improv for Business. The courses run from Jan. 9 to May 2, 2023, and range from 1 to 3 credits.
Ilitch School Associate Dean Toni Somers noted, "The dual enrollment students have full access to everything at WSU including libraries, computer labs and study spaces. It’s a wonderful opportunity to attend college-level classes in this busy, thriving city."
"The Business Springboard Pathway allows high school students to supplement their education with college coursework, so when they graduate high school, they will have a head start on college," said Stacy Jackson, WSU associate director for educational outreach. "Most are eligible for payment from the school district's state aid foundation grant to enroll in these postsecondary courses — meaning they can earn college credits debt-free."
Jackson worked closely with Somers to facilitate partnerships that led to the program's creation. An important element of the program is to provide students with support to boost their success. Jackson added, "All of the dually enrolled students meet in a welcoming physical space to connect with others before class and to have a snack, which helps them transition between their high school day and their late afternoon college course."
Students must apply each semester to register for dual enrollment at WSU. To be eligible, they must also have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and are expected to complete all graduation requirements mandated by their high school.
About Dual Enrollment at Wayne State University
WSU schools and colleges participating in a dual enrollment pathway program feature business, education, pre-medicine and general education electives. The high school partnerships for dual enrollment include the Academy of Americas (education), Cass Tech (business), Cesar Chavez Academy (business/education/pre-med), University Prep Academy (education), The School at Marygrove (general education), Lakeview High School (general education) and University High-Ferndale (education). Admittance into the program offers non-degree status and is valid for one semester with an eight-credit-hour maximum per semester. More information is available at wayne.edu/admissions/dual-enrollment.
