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East Saint Louis runs 'Running Start' partnership with Southwestern Illinois College; six students earn associate degrees
Summary
East Saint Louis Senior High recognized six students who earned associate degrees through a Running Start partnership with Southwestern Illinois College; the district funds tuition, books, meals, bus and Metrolink passes for participating students.
East Saint Louis Senior High School administrators announced that six members of the Class of 2025 earned transferable associate degrees through the district’s Running Start partnership with Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville.
"This completes our ninth year in partnership with Southwestern Illinois College," Dr. Tracy Wells, director of instructional support and readiness, said. She said the district fully funds tuition, books, meals, bus service and Metrolink passes for participating students, making the program "100% free for our families in East Saint Louis."
Dr. Wells said the six graduates finish the program as students who will enter college with the equivalent of two years of college credit: Aria Brown (attending Ball State University), Sean Cobbs (Xavier University, New Orleans), Elijah Hill (Southern Illinois University Edwardsville), Zania King (Illinois State University), Patience Prude (Tuskegee University) and Kenneth Jordan Taylor (Southern Illinois University Carbondale, recipient of the chancellor's scholarship). The district noted that 52 former East Saint Louis Senior High School students have earned associate degrees through Running Start since 2016.
Wells also reported that the six students were offered a combined total of $3,367,446 in scholarship offers. She thanked Superintendent Arthur Culver for district support of the initiative and recognized the college and career readiness team that supports Running Start at the high school.
Why it matters: Students who complete associate degrees in high school can enter four-year institutions with junior standing or apply earned credits toward other postsecondary plans; the district’s full funding of program costs removes a direct financial barrier for participating families.
