The first class of students to attend Illinois Central College and Peoria Public Schools simultaneously has graduated.
The 15 students were the first cohort through the D² program. Alijah Smith now has both a high school diploma — and his associate's degree in business.
"We got to choose out the classes," said Smith. "it was like we had more independence and control over what our schedule would be like. So we definitely had to learn more time management skills and things like that. But it went well."
D² students received guidance along the way and navigated multiple educational paths at once.
"Obviously, it was a challenge, but it wasn't too hard. We had, you know, our counselors and also we had the ICC academic advisors to help us with that as well," Smith said.
For other students considering it, Smith said the program is challenging, but worth the extra effort.
"After you can decide if you want to do it or not, you know, you might as well just go for it," he said. "And also, just know that you have to be motivated, you know, to get through, but it's not impossible."
Click here for more information about the program.
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