CL South Student Simultaneously Earns High School and College Associate Degrees

Crystal Lake South High School student Laura Arboleda will graduate this May
with her high school diploma and an associate degree from McHenry County
College.

In fact, she will receive her MCC degree two weeks before her high school graduation. She plans to transfer in the fall to University of Florida, Gainesville, to pursue a bachelor’s degree in architecture.

Arboleda wanted to get a jump-start on college and save money on tuition, so she enrolled in the Running Start program at MCC in summer 2010, where she started earning credit for college while still attending high school.

“I realized that taking classes ahead of time would save me a considerable amount of money and I would accomplish my educational and career goals faster,” Arboleda said.” It became my goal to try to obtain as many credits as possible to transfer to a four-year school in the fall after high school graduation.”

Arboleda was taking a full load of classes last fall at both high school and MCC. When she completed her high school graduation requirements in January, she became a full-time student at MCC. She even took extra classes that interested her, but were not required for her degree, such as interior design, photography and drawing.

“It was hectic, but my high school counselor, Mr. (Brett) Collins, helped me out a lot with arranging my schedule to allow me to leave high school early to get to my classes at MCC on time.”

In addition to keeping busy with her schoolwork, Arboleda works three part-time jobs to save money for when she moves away to college. She works at MCC as a multicultural student peer, at Gordmans in Algonquin as a sales associate and at Conscious Cup in Crystal Lake as a barista.

Despite her hectic schedule, Arboleda also finds time to volunteer and stay active in student organizations, including the Latinos Unidos club at MCC and as editor of the South High School yearbook.

Staying ahead is important for Arboleda and this summer, she will complete requirements for a business management certificate through MCC’s Fast Track program, which puts her at an advantage if she decides to minor in business or pursue an MBA.

Arboleda aims to become a professional architect and specialize in sustainable buildings. Arboleda's parents express their pride in their daughter's educational success.

“We are very proud and excited with her progress,” said Delia Arboleda, Laura’s
mother, who emigrated to the U.S. from Venezuela with her husband, Reinaldo, when Laura was three years old and Karla was one.

Arboleda’s parents instilled a strong work ethic in their daughters, Laura and Karla, who is a high school sophomore who is following her sister’s footsteps and has already earned 37 college credits from MCC.

“Laura saw that we struggled a lot with the language in the workplace,” Arboleda said. “We told them education is very important. Since they do not have the same language barriers as we had, we encouraged them to take advantage of the educational opportunities available, especially during the summer months.”

MCC Running Start Program

MCC's Running Start is part of the High School Plus program that allows high school students to enroll in college classes and earn college credit in high school. High School Plus features three options including Running Start, College in High School and Partnerships for College and Career Success (PCCS) – formerly called Tech Prep.

MCC’s High School Plus program is a rapidly growing program and currently has 1,325 high school students earning college credit, up from 534 students in 2010, a 148-percent increase.

“More people are seeing the value in taking college classes in high school and are better prepared for success due to the rigor of the dual credit classes once
they move on to continue their education at MCC or a four-year college,” said
Tony Capalbo, associate dean for College and Career Readiness.

High School Plus is all about getting ahead, being prepared for college rigor, earning college credit and being cost-effective, Capalbo said, adding that the program also builds partnerships with area high schools.

“College in the High School offers college credit with no tuition or fees attached while other programs are offered at MCC’s normal tuition which is a great value compared to a four-year university’s cost,” Capalbo said.

“We would like parents and students to know that this program provides a valuable education for a minimal cost, and gives students more flexibility at the college level.”

Information submitted by MCC.