High School Students Earn Associate Degree, Debt-Free!
Community colleges like Forsyth Tech excel at forging partnerships that expand educational opportunities. By collaborating with K-12 school systems, local industry and community organizations, Forsyth Tech creates innovative pathways for students of all ages to achieve their goals. These partnerships empower learners – whether they are teenagers or adults – to reach milestones that might otherwise be out of reach.
One shining example is Forsyth Tech’s partnership with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools to host the Early College of Forsyth and Middle College of Forsyth. These Cooperative Innovative High Schools allow students to complete all their high school requirements on a college campus while simultaneously earning college credits – even an associate degree – by the time they graduate high school. This dual-enrollment model is tuition-free for families and yields outstanding results: Cooperative Innovative High Schools (CIHS) students consistently have a >95% high school graduation rate, well above state averages. Many Early/Middle College graduates cross the stage not only with a diploma but also with a Forsyth Tech credential in hand, giving them a debt-free head start in college or careers. (Since inception, [insert number] students have graduated from these programs, with [insert number] currently enrolled.) In fact, one Early College student graduated at just 17 years old –earning her college degree before her high school diploma. Early College of Stokes, located at Forsyth Tech’s Stokes County campus, replicates this success for rural students. The recent Stokes Early College senior class collectively earned over $3.8 million in scholarships for college, underscoring the program’s impact.
CIHS students graduation rate
95%
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Terry’s Daughter
Forsyth Tech’s collaborative spirit also extends to workforce development for current high schoolers. In partnership with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (WS/FCS) and Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. (GWSI), the college helps power the ASPIRE WS internship program. This transformative initiative brings together education and local employers to provide WS/FCS juniors and seniors with real-world work experience. Students first attend career-readiness workshops led jointly by Forsyth Tech and GWSI – learning professional skills like communication, résumé writing and interview prep. Those who complete the training earn a Work Ready credential and a $500 stipend, and become eligible to interview for summer internships. Local companies across Winston-Salem host interns for 80–135 hours of paid work (at least $10/hour), giving students invaluable exposure to careers in fields ranging from healthcare to advanced manufacturing. These internships (funded by grants and employer support) are opening doors for youth. The ASPIRE WS partnership exemplifies how a community college, public schools and industry can unite to equip students with skills and opportunities before they even graduate high school. (This summer, XNUMBEROFX students are serving as ASPIRE interns across 2394320419283408374594 companies.)
Students serving as ASPIRE interns
95
Another important educational partnership at Forsyth Tech focuses on adult learners. The college works with area school systems (and organizations like Goodwill) to offer an Adult High School (AHS) program that gives adults a second chance to earn an accredited high school diploma. This program is run cooperatively with the local public school system to align with state high school curriculum standards. Adult students take the required courses through Forsyth Tech (often with flexible scheduling and supportive instruction) to complete credits they previously missed. Upon finishing, they receive an official Adult High School diploma jointly issued by the college and the school board – the same credential as a traditional high school, opening doors to better jobs and higher education. Each year, dozens of adults graduate from the AHS program ([insert latest graduate count]), proud to finally turn their tassels and often continuing into college certificate and degree programs. This partnership transforms lives by helping people of all ages realize it’s never too late to achieve academic success.
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Terry’s Daughter
In all of these initiatives, the power of partnerships shines through. Forsyth Tech leverages its close ties with schools and community partners to meet students’ needs in innovative ways. From high schoolers accelerating into college to adults reclaiming their education, these collaborations exemplify the community college mission. By working together, we break down barriers and create life-changing opportunities – strengthening our workforce and community one student at a time.