This time of year is one filled with excitement, pride, and anticipation as students from schools across the country celebrate years of hard work, culminating in an emotional walk across a stage.
These emotions are running especially high for 35 area high school students who received two diplomas in one day, thanks to the Dual Degree program available through McHenry County College (MCC).
The program—currently offered at Woodstock D200, Harvard High School, and Huntley High School—allows select students to earn a high school diploma and an associate degree at the same time.
The 35 students—14 from Harvard and 21 from Woodstock—are the first graduating class of the Dual Degree program. Huntley will see their first graduating class next year.
“The program is designed to set students up for life-long success,” said Cara Schultz, Director of College and Career Readiness at MCC. “We know that high school students who participate in dual credit programs are more likely to enroll in college and successfully complete a degree or credential. These Dual Degree graduates have already accomplished that first goal and are well prepared to transfer to universities this fall.”
The program gives students the opportunity to gain experience in college-level coursework, expedite an advanced degree, and potentially get started in their career earlier—all while still having the ability to participate in traditional high school activities such as fine arts, athletics, and clubs.
“The feedback we’ve received from students and parents has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Justin Smith, District 200 assistant superintendent. “Students appreciate the flexibility the program provides. They’re able to choose courses focused on their areas of interest and get a taste of the college atmosphere by taking classes on MCC’s campus, all while knowing they’re saving a significant amount of money.”
One of D200’s graduating students, Marlen Diaz, has been accepted to DePaul University’s pre-law program and received a full scholarship based on her high school performance. A first-generation college student, Diaz was inspired by her own family’s journey to US citizenship to become an immigration lawyer.
“There was a lot of uncertainty, fear, and anxiety about deportation growing up,” said Diaz. “But once my parents gained full citizenship, I remember the sense of relief felt by our entire family. I want other people to have that same peace of mind.”
Another D200 student, Thomas Sieck, will be attending Purdue University with plans to become an actuary.
“The Dual Degree program helped me get a head start in college and stand out on applications,” Sieck said. “I managed to get into two programs at Purdue—the Emerging Leaders of Science and a few other science honors. With those two together, I got my full tuition covered.”
“The program saves a lot of money for our students,” said Smith. “On average, they pay about $700 for two years of college to earn 60 credits.”
Cost and length of the program varies by school. Harvard’s Dual Degree program, called the DUO Program, picks up tuition and fees while students are responsible only for books and other course materials.
“It’s a great opportunity,” said Maura Bridges, Coordinator of College and Career Readiness at Harvard Community Unit School District 50. “Students not only save money, but learn responsibility, time management, and independence while still in a supportive home environment.”
Briana Rodriguez is one of Harvard’s recent graduates.
“I grew tremendously as a student while in this program,” she said. “I was pushed to think more critically, network, work as a team, and communicate. I can confidently say that I’m a well-rounded student who is academically prepared to enter a four-year university.”
Students move through the program with a group of other students, called a cohort, who support and collaborate with each other.
“The best part of the program was the friendships I made,” Rodriguez said. “We became a sort of family. We relied on and supported each other, whether that meant group study sessions or carpooling to class. We made some fond memories—and that made a program that could be challenging at times extremely enjoyable.”
Rodriguez will be attending the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as an Interdisciplinary Health Sciences major on a pre-med track. While enrolled in the Dual Degree program, she also took advantage of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) class at MCC to give her hands-on experience in the medical field. Once she completes the final and certification exam in May, she plans to work as a CNA part-time in a hospital or nursing home while going to school.
“The Dual Degree program creates learning-ready students who enter their next step with enhanced skills and confidence to succeed,” said Dr. Clint Gabbard, MCC President. “We’re in constant collaboration with the local high school districts to ensure these are quality-level courses. The program offers returning and unparalleled value to families in our community.”
“Designing and supporting the program in collaboration with MCC has been a great experience,” said Smith of D200. “Meeting students and their families during 9th grade, helping them plan out their educational futures, and watching the joy on their faces as they graduate has been a truly inspiring experience.”
The Dual Degree graduates walked in MCC’s Commencement Ceremony at 9 a.m. on May 13, then were celebrated afterwards at a special reception for them and their families.
“Reaching the finish line makes me realize it was all worth it—the late nights, the group study sessions, the 5 a.m. wake-up to catch the bus,” said Briana Rodriguez. “I am so glad that I took this opportunity, and I am so thankful to MCC and Harvard High School. I grew so much as a student and as a person. I’m extremely proud of myself and the rest of the group for completing this journey.”
Woodstock D200 has 108 students currently in their Dual Degree program; Harvard has 20, and Huntley has 43. In addition to Dual Degree, MCC offers Dual Credit courses at all 14 local high schools.
For more on Dual Degree programs at MCC, visit
www.mchenry.edu/dualdegree.
