CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — A new partnership between Parkland College and the Champaign Unit 4 School District will offer high school students the opportunity to complete essential general education requirements toward an associate or bachelor’s degree before they even graduate. The Unit 4 Early Transfer Academy (ETA), set to launch in summer 2026, will allow eligible students to earn both their high school diploma and the General Education Core Curriculum (GECC) credential from Parkland College upon graduation.

During the Champaign Unit 4 School District Board of Education’s Monday meeting, Parkland College President Pamela Lau and Unit 4 leadership presented the ETA, which provides a structured four-year pathway program. The curriculum includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses, dual credit courses offered in the high school, and college-level courses taken directly on the Parkland College campus. Students will have the chance to fulfill general education requirements in subjects like social sciences, humanities, mathematics, and more.

“This partnership creates pathways that open doors of opportunity for area high school students,” said President Lau. “By expanding access to college-level courses, the ETA accelerates students’ progress toward earning a post-secondary credential, and fosters a culture of learning and discovery.”

The program is designed to expose students to college-level coursework and help ease the transition into higher education, offering a unique opportunity for students to earn college credits while still in high school. Unit 4 Acting Superintendent Dan Casillas emphasized that the ETA provides students with access to college-level courses that are not available at the high school level, making it a significant opportunity for academic and career advancement.

Students accepted into the program will benefit from discounted tuition, dedicated support from both institutions, and a chance to explore different academic disciplines before committing to a specific career path. Applications for the program are open until January 16, 2026, with space limited in each cohort.

In the future, Parkland College plans to expand the Early Transfer Academy to other high schools within the 505 District. This initiative is a step toward increasing access to higher education and helping students jumpstart their college and career goals.

For more information, visit parkland.edu/ETA or contact David Reif at reifda@u4sd.org or Lashonna Harden at hardenla@u4sd.org.