Dual Degree Program

The District 50 DUO Program

The DUO Program is an early college program that was created through a collaborative partnership between McHenry County College (MCC) and Harvard Community Unit School District 50. The program provides academically-motivated students enrolled in District 50 an opportunity to earn a high school diploma and Associate of Arts degree simultaneously. During their four years of school, students will take a combination of Dual Credit courses offered through District 50 at Harvard High School, and MCC courses offered at the McHenry County College campus.

Student Application Process

The ideal candidate for the DUO Program is a student who has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to their academics. In order to qualify for some of the course work, students may need to take placement tests in English and Math. Due to the nature of those placement tests, it is recommended that students be enrolled in Algebra 2, or show a strong proficiency in Geometry, during their sophomore year. If you have questions about whether or not this is a good fit, students and families are encouraged to meet with their high school counselor.

The DUO Program process: Please be sure to fill out all of the following forms. If all forms are not completed, the application will be considered incomplete. The application window will be open from November 1 to January 15 for the Class of 2024.

1. Attend Informational Meeting 
2. Application Process - A completed application would include the following documents. All must be submitted for your application to be considered complete.
   • Student Application
   • Student Essay Questions
   • Student Recommendation Process
3. Counselors and Administrators review applications
4. Notification of who was accepted into the program
5. Orientation for the Dual Degree participants and families

• Is the Dual Degree Program the right fit for my D50 student?
  The ideal student for this program includes any current 10th grade student who is enrolled in a minimum of Geometry as their math class and does not plan to go into a math or science-related career.
• What year in high school do you start this program in D50?

  Students can apply to participate in this program during December of their sophomore (10th grade) year. Courses would officially begin the summer after sophomore year.

• How much will this cost our family?

  Students will be required to purchase books and other course materials. Tuition and course fees are covered by Harvard CUSD 50, the Harvard Education Foundation, and McHenry County College.

• Is transportation provided?

  Harvard CUSD 50 will provide transportation to MCC during the school year for the class offered in the morning. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from their courses at McHenry County College (MCC) during the summer programming and/or if they take a class outside the morning programming. If transportation is an issue, consider speaking with your counselor about online course opportunities.

• What if I can’t finish the full 60 credits?

  Students are encouraged to take as many credits as they can to help them get a head start earning college credit. A student can still participate in the program and not complete the full Associate of Arts degree. The level of recognition will look different from those students who do complete all requirements for the Associate of Arts Degree.

To learn more about The DUO Program with MCC, visit www.cusd50.org/duo

The District 158 Dual Degree Program

How Do I get Started?

District 158 Application Information

District 158 and MCC Dual Degree Program Benefits

• Expedite an advanced degree and allow exploration in further areas in postsecondary education
• Gain experience in college-level coursework, which will help make the transition to a four-year college or university much easier
• Get personalized, hands-on support from both high school counselors and MCC advisors
• Get started in your career earlier

Program Cost

Students will be responsible for one-third of the cost of any class taken through MCC. The overall cost of the program is dependent upon the number of courses students are enrolled in as Dual Degree participants. Books, fees, and supplies for MCC courses will be the responsibility of the student.

Example:

• Total tuition and fees estimated cost per credit hour: $140.00
• Student cost = $46.60 per credit hour

Students who qualify for free and reduced lunch status will have the cost of tuition waived, and District 158 will cover the cost of books and fees. Transportation to and from courses at MCC will be made available to all students who require it.

FAQ's

• What is the Dual Degree program?

  Through a partnership with McHenry County College, Huntley 158 students will have the opportunity to earn an Associate of Arts degree concurrently with their HHS diploma in order to advance their college and career goals in a cost-effective manner. To the greatest degree possible, the Dual Degree program will offer HHS students flexibility and choice in their path to the Associate of Arts degree.

• Is the Dual Degree program the right fit for my Huntley 158 student?

  This program is best suited for motivated students who are looking to further their college and career goals after high school. Students gain exposure to college-level coursework while preparing for post-secondary education or the workforce. The ideal applicant has a 2.5 or higher GPA, 85% attendance rate, and is in good standing at Huntley High School.

• What year in high school do you start this program in Huntley 158?

  Ideally, current freshmen and sophomore students should consider applying for this program to begin their course sequence in summer 2022 between their sophomore and junior year.

• How much will this cost our family?

  Students will be responsible for one third of the cost of any class taken through MCC. The overall cost of the program is dependent upon the number of courses students are enrolled in as Dual Degree participants. Books, fees, and supplies for MCC courses will be the responsibility of the student.

  • Total tuition and fees estimated cost per credit hour: $140.00
    • Student cost = $46.60 per credit hour

  Students who qualify for free and reduced lunch status have the cost of tuition waived, and District 158 will cover the cost of books and fees.

• Is transportation provided?
  Transportation to and from courses at MCC will be made available to all students who require it.
• What if I can’t finish the full 60 credits?

  Students are encouraged to take as many credits as they can to help them get a head start earning college credit. A student can still participate in the program and not complete the full Associate of Arts degree, though they will not graduate with the same recognition.