Much like thousands of others in the Houston-area, students at Victory Early College headed back to school this week. However, unlike many of their counterparts, these high school students are on-track to simultaneously earn an associate degree from Lone Star College-North Harris, and a high school diploma.
The Victory Early College opened in the fall of 2007 and is collaboration between Aldine Independent School District and LSC-North Harris. It offers students the opportunity to earn their high school diploma, while also earning college credits toward an associate degree, or two years of college credits to transfer to a four-year university.
“From the creation and opening of Victory Early College, I have been honored to be a part of this life-changing school that provides educational advancement to deserving students who would not otherwise have the resources or college knowledge to pursue postsecondary degrees,” said Dr. Charlotte Twardowski, director of educational services and partnerships at LSC-North Harris.
The college is a small high school cohort that has limited enrollment and small class sizes, giving students the opportunity for more personal attention from instructors. Students at Victory Early College do not have to pay for tuition to attend the school or to earn college credit.
Students meet with counselors at the end of their eighth grade year to determine if this is a program that they would be interested in pursuing. The target population to recruit is the middle 60 percent of students in the eighth grade classes. For them, it provides an opportunity to expand their education in a way that they would not otherwise have.
Following a rigorous application process, including an essay on why they want to attend, a limited number of students are selected to attend the college, making a four-year commitment to the program.
“The faculty and staff aspires to prepare students to mature socially, emotionally and physically as responsible citizens; develop a sound foundation for scholarly achievement at any institution of higher learning; and cultivate qualities that will prepare students for university life and future careers,” said Dr. Phyllis Comier, principal of Victory Early College.
There are currently 395 students enrolled in the Victory Early College. Two administrators, one counselor, an academic support coordinator, and 17 faculty members help to lead each of these students to success.
“With each student that enters the early college, his or her journey for the next four years has far-reaching effects on the student, the family, the college and the ISD. The guiding force behind the success of the early college is the strong partnership between LSC-North Harris and Aldine ISD that assists the Early College students in realizing that dreams do become realities,” added Twardowski.
For more information about Victory Early College, please contact Charlotte Twardowski at Charlotte.K.Twardowski@lonestar.edu.
Lone Star College-North Harris is located at 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive, one-half mile south of FM 1960 East, between Aldine-Westfield and Hardy Roads. For more information about the college, call 281.618.5400 or visit LoneStar.edu/NorthHarris.
Lone Star College System has been opening doors to a better community for 40 years. Founded in 1973, LSCS remains steadfast in its commitment to student success and credential completion. Today, with 78,000 students in credit classes, and a total enrollment of more than 90,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and the fastest-growing community college system in the nation. Dr. Richard Carpenter is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball and LSC-University Park, five centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.
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