The Rock Hill School Board approved a dual-credit middle-college partnership aimed at enabling Rock Hill students to earn college credit while in high school.

What the board approved: Staff presented a partnership with institutions including Winthrop University and other local higher-education partners to offer dual-credit courses to Rock Hill students through a middle-college high school model. The board praised staff, particularly Zanesia Johnson who led the project presentation, for quickly moving the effort forward and called the program a potential “game changer” that can reduce college costs for families and expand postsecondary access.

Why it matters: Dual-credit and middle-college programs can reduce college costs for families and boost postsecondary attainment by allowing students to accumulate college credits while still in high school. Several trustees underscored the program's potential to help families manage college affordability and to attract students to district schools.

Vote: Trustees expressed strong support during the discussion and the motion passed by the board; staff said the program will begin implementation with Winthrop and other partners and will return with enrollment and operational details.

Next steps: District staff will work with partner institutions on course offering details, student eligibility and logistical arrangements and will report back to the board on implementation timing and enrollment.