La Salle University offers college classes to its public high school neighbors

This article was originally published in The Notebook. In August 2020, The Notebook became Chalkbeat Philadelphia.

The School District has announced a new partnership with La Salle University that will allow qualified students at close-by Girls’ High and Central High Schools to enroll in college courses for the spring semester for free.

The courses are offered through La Salle’s Community Scholars program. Students can choose one class from a list that includes Introduction to Art, Interpersonal Communication, Introduction to Criminal Justice, Introduction to Macroeconomics, and Introduction to Literature.

The District will cover the cost of tuition and books.

In a written statement released Wednesday, Superintendent William Hite said the program “will better prepare more of our students for college and careers, helping them seamlessly transition into their chosen fields after high school graduation.”

Colleen Hanycz, president of La Salle University, said, “Strong communities need educated citizens, and this partnership is one way that La Salle is working to help build these citizens.

“La Salle is proud to stand hand in hand with our neighbors, and to share in this responsibility of giving local students opportunities to enrich their high school educations.”