Nationwide — Five Black high school seniors from West Philadelphia, Jeremiah Roach, Dylan Adkins, Aidan Marion, Khalif Barakat-Cooper, and Marquise Floyd-Reid, completed associate degrees before finishing high school through a dual enrollment program at Boys’ Latin High School. They will graduate with college credits already done and start higher education with less debt.
The students attend Boys’ Latin High School in West Philadelphia and earned their associate degrees from the Community College of Philadelphia while still enrolled in high school. They took college courses through a dual enrollment partnership between the school and the college.
According to the Philadelphia Tribune, they officially received their associate degrees during the Community College of Philadelphia ceremony. About a month later, they will walk at their high school graduation on June 2 at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on the University of Pennsylvania campus.
Boys’ Latin CEO William M. Hayes said the program reflects the school’s push to strengthen academics and reduce the cost of college. He said the model helps students get used to college-level work earlier.
The initiative, called Middle College, started about three years ago at Boys’ Latin High School. It allows students in grades 10 to 12 to take college classes while still completing high school requirements. Some students finish with an associate degree upon graduation.
Students must meet academic standards to join, including a minimum GPA. Those who qualify split their time between Boys’ Latin and the Community College of Philadelphia. Families do not pay tuition for the college courses.
Jeremiah Roach balanced academics with sports while serving as the football team’s quarterback. He plans to study environmental science at Delaware Valley University.
Dylan Adkins completed his associate degree in liberal arts while juggling lacrosse, rowing, and a hospital internship. He plans to continue his studies in nursing at Winston-Salem State University.
Aidan Marion said the achievement feels like a starting point rather than a finish. He plans to study finance and explore study abroad opportunities, with possible plans in financial advising.
Khalif Barakat-Cooper graduated from CCP with honors and earned a full scholarship to Temple University. He took college courses in law, chemistry, and geography while staying active in school programs.
Marquise Floyd-Reid also earned scholarships and plans to study civil engineering at Morgan State University. He said the program helped him adjust to college-level expectations ahead of time.
School leaders said students in the program often enter college with credits already completed, which can shorten the time needed to earn a degree. They also said students tend to adjust more easily to academic demands because of early exposure.
The Middle College program continues to grow, with more students expected to earn associate degrees in the coming years as Boys’ Latin expands partnerships and support for the initiative.