Drake State instructors are bringing college courses directly to Mae Jemison High School, helping students earn credits, overcome transportation barriers, and prepare earlier for high-demand careers.
By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Mae Jemison High School students join Drake State President Dr. Patricia Sims, Huntsville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Clarence Sutton, HCS Dual Enrollment and Early College Coordinator Leah Edgecombe, and Mae Jemison Principal Dr. Demetris Harris-Leverette in celebrating the launch of the Mae Jemison Accelerated Studies Program.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — College-level instruction is now arriving directly in the classrooms of Mae Jemison High School through a partnership designed to expand educational access and create stronger pathways from high school to college and careers.
Mae Jemison High School, Drake State Community & Technical College and Huntsville City Schools have launched the Mae Jemison Accelerated Studies Program, known as JASP. The initiative allows selected students to take advanced dual-enrollment and college courses taught by Drake State instructors on the high school campus.
The program began serving students Aug. 5, at the start of the school year.
JASP builds upon a longstanding partnership between Jemison and Drake State while removing one of the practical barriers that can prevent students from participating in dual enrollment: transportation. Rather than traveling between campuses, students can remain at Jemison while receiving direct instruction and support from college faculty.
“Today is an exciting day for Huntsville City Schools, Drake State Community and Technical College, and especially the students and families of Jemison High School,” HCS Superintendent Dr. Clarence Sutton said. “This agreement represents another important step in our commitment to expanding opportunities and creating pathways that allow every student to see what is possible for their future.”
Students can earn college credit, experience the expectations of advanced coursework and begin progressing toward a credential or degree before receiving their high school diplomas. Early exposure can also help them identify academic strengths, explore careers and make better-informed decisions about education and employment.
Leah Edgecombe, HCS dual-enrollment and early-college coordinator, said Drake State has helped the school system turn its dual-enrollment expansion into greater opportunity.
“Today, we signed an agreement, but the real measure of this partnership will be our students’ success and the impact this expansion has on our surrounding communities,” Edgecombe said.
For participating families, earning college credits during high school could reduce the time and expense required to complete a degree. Students also gain familiarity with college instructors, academic expectations and available resources while remaining connected to their high school community.
The initiative is intended to advance educational equity. Transportation, scheduling and limited access to college instructors can make dual enrollment difficult for otherwise qualified students. Bringing Drake State faculty to Jemison places those opportunities within the regular school environment.
Dr. Patricia Sims, president of Drake State, encouraged students to view the courses as the beginning of a longer educational journey.
“I hope to see you on Drake State’s campus as a part of your educational journey, and we can launch you, whether it’s a career that you’re looking for or a four-year degree to transfer to any university in our state,” Sims said.
School officials also view JASP as an investment in North Alabama’s workforce. Employers across the region continue to seek skilled workers in technical, professional and emerging industries. Helping students begin college earlier can strengthen the pipeline into credentials, university programs and in-demand careers.
Drake State works with employers, industry leaders and community organizations to align its programs with evolving workforce needs. The college offers technical and university-transfer degrees, industry certifications, adult education, continuing education and customized workforce training.
Sutton said the agreement represents another step toward transforming Jemison into a comprehensive early-college campus.
“Our vision for this school is that every student can dream, and it’s our job to make that dream a reality,” Sutton said.
Jemison High School is named for Decatur native Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel in space. The school serves students in a city nationally recognized for science, aerospace, engineering, and technology. JASP connects that legacy of achievement with practical opportunities for today’s students.
Huntsville City Schools serves nearly 24,000 students across 43 schools and reports a 96.8 percent graduation rate. Through JASP, the district and Drake State want more students to leave high school with college experience, transferable credits, and a clearer understanding of what comes next.
For Mae Jemison students, college is no longer only a destination following graduation. Through this accelerated partnership, it is becoming part of their daily high school experience—and a pathway toward wider possibilities.