HBCU Launches Early College Program with Alabama School District

By Ashley Brown

In a groundbreaking initiative to enhance high school students’ educational opportunities, Birmingham City Schools has announced an exciting new partnership with Lawson State Community College. This collaboration will introduce the BCS Early College-Wenonah program, set to launch in early 2025. The program will allow students to earn college credits while completing their high school education at Wenonah High School.

Located adjacent to Lawson State, Wenonah High School will be the hub for this innovative program. Qualified students from all Birmingham City School campuses can enroll. This initiative will give young scholars unique opportunities to pursue a college degree or certificate alongside their high school curriculum.

Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony, president of Lawson State, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. “At Lawson State Community College, we thrive on expanding access to education and workforce readiness for students at every stage of life, including ambitious and talented high school students,” she stated. “An early start toward a college certificate or degree is the ultimate  investment in a student’s future. This partnership allows students to move faster toward their goals, whether that means landing a good job or pursuing a four-year degree after attending Lawson State.”

Access to In-Demand Fields

The Early College-Wenonah program aims to enhance students’ prospects by allowing them to earn credits in various in-demand fields such as auto repair, supply chain management, welding, computer information systems, and pre-nursing. These disciplines have been strategically selected based on extensive research highlighting their growth potential in job markets both locally in Alabama and across the nation.

Dorian Waluyn, Lawson State’s director of strategic initiatives and external affairs, underscored the collaborative effort. “This really just brings together Lawson’s core values and the school district’s strategic plan to provide students with an exceptional, affordable education,” he noted.

At the formal announcement event at Lawson State, Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan highlighted the transformative nature of the program. “Our students will be able to earn a living wage coming out of high school with an associate’s degree,” he remarked. “With BCS-Wenonah, they’re ready to go to the workforce and they’re ready to go to a four-year college. This is a real game changer for families.”