‘Meeting Students Where They Are:’ DU Launches New Dual-Degree Program with Chicago Public Schools

A group of high school students on Chicago’s Southwest Side got an early start this academic year on earning college credits toward an associate degree, thanks to a new and unique partnership between Dominican University and Chicago Public Schools.

Through the new DU Dual Advantage program, 10 seniors at Farragut Career Academy in Little Village enrolled in courses allowing them to complete the first year of their college career while still in high school—and at no additional cost to them.

These dual-credit courses in math, English, political science, history, sociology and Chicago ethnic art expression are taught by professors from Dominican University’s Chicago Campus in Pilsen, which offers a two-year associate degree program. After graduation, the students can enroll at the Chicago Campus to complete an Associate of Arts Degree with a concentration in certified nursing assistant, cybersecurity, legal studies, or translation and interpretation.

“Students in the program can graduate with their high school diploma and with enough credits to move on to the second year of the associate degree program,” explained Dr. Gema Ortega, executive director of academic affairs at Dominican University’s Chicago Campus. “They can complete their associate degree within just one year, instead of the traditional two.”

These students can then transition to Dominican’s River Forest campus to complete a bachelor’s degree in their chosen major.

Through DU Dual Advantage, students embark on a clear, affordable and accessible path to ultimately obtaining a bachelor’s degree in less time than the traditional four-year journey. And in line with Dominican’s mission of meeting students where they are, Farragut students are introduced to the academic expectations they will encounter in college while receiving wraparound support, including tutoring coordinated by DU professors and Farragut teachers, one-on-one meetings with professors and access to additional student success services offered by both schools.

The students represent a range of backgrounds and career interests. Some members of the first cohort are recent immigrants who are also learning English as they tackle their college-credit courses.

“This partnership with CPS is very meaningful for us because one of Dominican University’s goals is to close equity gaps for Black and brown students by providing access to higher education,” said Dr. Barrington Price, Chicago Campus CEO. “Research has shown that students who gain access to meaningful, dual-credit opportunities do have a higher probability of persisting in college and graduating.”

Connecting with high school students in this way gives the students confidence to pursue higher education, Ortega said.

“Many of these students had not seen themselves at the college level,” she explained. “The first courses with the professors are really meant to show them they belong and they can succeed.”

Emily, a DU Dual Advantage student, said the program’s classes challenge and motivate her, which she enjoys. She hopes to enter the nursing field when she completes college.

“The program is an advantage because you are already one step ahead,” Emily said.

Shaina Warfield ’20, a Chicago Campus adjunct instructor, taught two English courses to the students at Farragut this year.

“The students are so excited to have the college experience,” she shared.

The dual-credit program aligns with Dominican’s long history and mission of making higher education accessible.

“The Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters envisioned our university offering opportunities to those who needed them,” Ortega said. “We are meeting students where they are, and we are coming to them. Our mission tells us to prepare students to create a more just and humane world, and through this initiative, we are doing exactly that.”