The beauty of public education is the uniqueness of all of our students and their families. In public education we get the chance to work with students from all backgrounds, with diverse goals and dreams, and a passion for many different interests. Public education’s essence is clear; it’s about affording every student a comprehensive education.
In my August column I wrote about our comprehensive career and technical education program. This month, the spotlight shifts to programs that pave the way for students eyeing post-secondary education.
The J.O. Combs Unified School District is one of roughly 30 school districts in the state joining forces with the three state universities, the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) and Helios, to launch the Personalized Admissions Project. The mission: connect with students who may not believe they are qualified to attend university, but are academically prepared to do so. This initiative is designed to inspire students to believe that attending a university is not only an option, but also promises an early gateway for admittance into these institutions.
This process starts with ADE and Helios reviewing transcripts and the GPAs of junior students during the summer prior to their senior year. This assessment places students into one of two groups: students who have completed 14 of 16 core credits with a 3.0 GPA, and students with 12 or 13 core credits with a 2.8 GPA.
Both groups receive a university letter indicating eligibility for university admissions, and the second group also receives information outlining the additional requirements needed to fulfill their acceptance. Those who’ve already applied to the universities and meet the criteria will not receive this letter. Instead, the focal point truly remains on nontraditional college-bound students, offering guidance and motivation in navigating the college admissions process.
In addition to this initiative, we also continue our partnership with Central Arizona College (CAC) to offer students the Pinal Promise scholarship. This scholarship, open to all Pinal County residents, provides up to two years of tuition free attendance. Originally launched in 2000, this program was developed to encourage high school completion and pursuit of higher education. The ultimate goal is to alleviate the financial burden for those who might otherwise forgo the college experience.
These partnerships, coupled with the offerings of honors and AP courses at Combs, carve a nurturing pathway to collegiate success for our students. Bolstered by events such as financial aid nights and college nights, the district is proud to take an active role to ensure all students meet their post high school educational aspirations.
In today's multifaceted landscape of comprehensive public high schools, there's a path for every student. Whether it's a four-year university, a two-year community college, vocational training, military service or direct entry into the workforce—our schools cater to the diverse needs of our student population, propelling them toward a successful future beyond high school.
Dr. Gregory A. Wyman is superintendent of the J.O. Combs Unified School District.
