Dominican University, Chicago Public Schools Close Equity Gaps Through Dual-Degree Program

For immediate release

As graduation day nears, students at a Southwest Side Chicago high school are earning college credits and preparing to transition to the next stage in their higher education journey-thanks to a unique partnership between Dominican University and Chicago Public Schools.

Through the DU Dual Advantage program, 10 seniors at Farragut Career Academy in Little Village are taking dual-credit courses in math, English, political science, history, sociology and Chicago ethnic art expression. When they graduate May 28, these 10 seniors will have completed the first year of a two-year associate's degree.

This dual-degree program is distinct because each course is taught by professors from Dominican University's Chicago Campus in Pilsen, and each student has the option of enrolling at the Chicago Campus to complete their associate's degree in one year instead of the traditional two.

All 10 current students have applied to attend the Chicago Campus in the fall, said Dr. Gema Ortega, executive director of academic affairs at Dominican University's Chicago Campus.

"Our program distinguishes itself by offering a clear pathway to degree completion, while also intentionally partnering with high school support teams to ensure students receive the academic support needed to succeed in their courses," Ortega said.