Truman High School Expands Dual Enrollment Program

Harry S. Truman High School is expanding its dual enrollment program that pairs high schoolers with college education.

The program allows students to earn college credits while fulfilling their high school requirements and offers a blend of academic learning and real-world experience.

The school district announced Truman will begin working with the University of Pittsburgh through their “College in High School” program thanks to a grant. The new partnership will allow Truman teachers to teach University of Pittsburgh-aligned courses for college credit.

The program already partners with Bucks County Community College.

Rob Findlay, the secondary supervisor of curriculum and instruction at the Bristol Township School District, said the program offers a new way for students to learn.

“This innovative approach to education not only accelerates academic advancement but also provides students with a taste of higher education and real-world learning experiences,” the district said.

Key advantages of Truman’s Dual Enrollment Program include completing basic college requirements in high school and gaining early exposure to college-level coursework. The idea, according to the district, is to offer students exposure that not only familiarizes students with higher education but also aids in exploring potential career paths.

In the partnership with Bucks County Community College, the program offers courses taught by college professors at both Truman and the community college’s campus.

Student Xavier Torres, who is taking courses in history/political science, highlighted the benefits of this setup.

“It is great to get into the college environment by being on campus and experiencing what college will be like,” said Torres. “Getting college contacts opened the door to my internship with Representative Tina Davis.” 

Truman offers the dual enrollment courses in interpersonal communication, responding to emergencies, criminal justice, psychological techniques, English composition, principles of economics, American national government, foundations of education, and nutrition.

“Courses not only match my level of interest, but I have found that I can use them in my daily life,” said Kacie Lawson, who is studying to become a physical education teacher. “I’ve learned skills that will help me interact with people from a variety of cultures and backgrounds.”

Truman’s counseling team plays a key role in guiding sophomores and juniors through the dual enrollment process, according to district officials.

Teagon Heston, a student interested in nursing, said: “Some students see dual enrollment as intimidating, but it is a pretty simple process. The school counselors are a huge help in getting everyone enrolled.”

To further support the program, Truman organizes field trips to Bucks County Community College to allow students to explore the campus and course options firsthand.

With the new University of Pittsburgh grant-funded partnership, students that successfully completes an identified course will receive 3 to 4 credits from the university on their official transcript.

“With the current number of students in each of these classes, we could almost double the number of students taking a dual enrollment course next year,” Findlay stated. “Best of all, with the grant we received last year, we will be able to pay the tuition costs for all of these students.”

Findlay said he believes that dual enrollment programs will play an important role in the future of education.

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