BOISE, Idaho — As we close the book to the 2024 school year, Idaho's high school seniors are preparing for the monumental moment to walk across the stage.
For some, more than once.
Students across the state are leaving high school with college credits piled up and a college degree in hand. Adamari Victoria, a 2024 graduating senior from Minico High School in Rupert, told KTVB that earning her associate's degree at the same time "feels really cool."
Victoria said she began looking into dual enrollment during her freshman year and has taken offered classes since then. Now, she is one of 44 students at Minico High School who will graduate with an associate degree this spring. Victoria is also the first in her family to have a college degree.
"Finally, after all the hard work, it feels good to be done. It paid off," Victoria said.
Across the state, the number of high school students earning associate degrees has shot up year-over-year for the past decade. Rising from 26 students statewide during the 2013-2014 school year, to 409 students last year.
One of the schools setting the standard is Renaissance High School in West Ada.
"It's pretty incredible," Principal Megan McGroarty said. "We actually had our graduation at ISU two weeks ago, and 81 of our students walked across the stage."
McGroarty said success stems from motivated students, their partnership with Idaho State University, and the school's structure.
"Renaissance is really lucky in the fact that we were set up to do exactly this," McGroarty said. "So we have enough faculty who have their master's degrees in their subject areas, and are able to qualify as college professors in their high school teacher capacity."
Staff and Renaissance begin talking with students and parents about their dual enrollment plans while students are applying to the school as incoming ninth graders.
Another factor leading to more students doubling-down on degrees is funding. The Idaho State Department of Education's Advanced Opportunities program provides $4,125 to each high school student to pursue advanced courses.
"We use Advanced Opportunity funding for college credit, dual enrollment courses, but you're able to use it for testing," McGroarty said.
Closing the book on one chapter of life - while opening opportunities for the next.
"It's a great opportunity," Victoria said. "It just does so much good for you and your future, and it gives you that big step ahead."
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