Downingtown students will be first to earn associate’s degrees with high school diploma

Downingtown Area School District (DASD) is proud to announce that two members of the class of 2024, David Densmore from Downingtown High School West and Rodger Grant from Downingtown High School East, will be the first-ever to graduate with an associate’s degree in liberal arts alongside their high school diplomas.

DASD’s Associate’s Degree in the High School dual-enrollment program offers students the opportunity to complete their high school graduation requirements while simultaneously pursuing an associate’s degree in either liberal arts or engineering.

Through morning classes at Delaware County Community College’s Downingtown Campus and full participation in high school life, students benefit from a comprehensive educational experience.

While the program is structured to be completed in three years, David and Rodger accelerated their studies and successfully earned their Liberal Arts degrees in just two years.

“The Associate’s Degree in the High School partnership between DASD and DCCC stands out as an exciting dual-enrollment option for our students,” remarked Curriculum Supervisor Dr. Troy Podell.

“In an era of escalating college costs and diminishing returns, initiatives like this one aim to tilt the scales in students’ favor, offering valuable academic opportunities. It’s awesome that a student can walk away from DASD at the end of their 12th-grade year with a college degree in hand.”

In addition to the Associate’s Degree in the High School program, DASD offers students dual-enrollment opportunities with Immaculata University, the University of Pittsburgh, and West Chester University, as well as an exclusive collaboration with Temple University for a Sports Business Academy.

These partnerships offer students the chance to earn college credits for advanced courses, further enhancing their academic journey and future prospects.

COURTESY OF DOWNINGTOWN AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT Two members of Downingtown Area School District class of 2024will be the firstto simultaneously grauduate high school and associate degree diplomas. From left, Downingtown High School West senior David Densmore, curriculum supervisor Dr. Troy Podell and Downingtown High School East senior Rodger Grant.