New Partnership Brings Early College Pathways to Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School Students

In an exciting development for Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School students, a groundbreaking partnership has been formed with Lourdes University and Mercy College of Ohio’s Medical Academy. This collaboration, known as Early College Pathways, is set to offer a unique and valuable educational opportunity for high school students, allowing them to earn an associate degree while still in high school at no additional cost to the families.

Starting in fall 2024, Cardinal Stritch students will have the chance to enroll in courses at Mercy College’s Medical Academy and Lourdes University, paving the way for them to earn an associate degree in one of three specialized tracks: healthcare, education, or business. The program encourages students to get a head start on their higher education while simultaneously completing their high school diploma.

Melisa Viers, Principal of Cardinal Stritch, expressed enthusiasm about the new program, stating, “We are happy to announce that we will have students taking classes at both Mercy and Lourdes to begin pathways in our inaugural cohorts. Students will take classes at Cardinal Stritch and at their respective higher education institutions. This is a great opportunity for our students to earn an associate degree while in high school, and we look forward to a beautiful partnership.”

By participating in this program, Cardinal Stritch students will not only gain valuable college credits but also experience the rigors and expectations of higher education. The combination of high school and college coursework aims to prepare them better for the challenges of post-secondary education and their future careers. Lourdes University is excited to be working with Cardinal Stritch, and is excited for the future of the Early College Pathways partnership.

For more information about the Early College Pathways program, visit https://cardinalstritch.org/early-college-pathways/.

PHOTO CREDIT: Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School & Academy