KU, community colleges, K-12 schools partner to accelerate education path for KC students

OVERLAND PARK – Ten of the largest education institutions in the Kansas City metropolitan area are joining forces across the state line, enabling students to earn a bachelor’s degree in only three years. This new partnership potentially reduces students’ cost of earning a degree and accelerates their entrance into the Kansas City workforce or graduate school.

Education and community leaders from Kansas and Missouri will gather to witness KU Edwards Campus (KUEC) Vice Chancellor David Cook, superintendents and directors from six school districts, and three community college presidents and chancellors sign a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize the Degree in 3 program.

The event will take place 10-11:30 a.m. June 12 in the BEST Building Conference Center at the KU Edwards Campus.

Degree in 3 creates a direct, accelerated pipeline for high school students to complete a bachelor’s degree at an R1 research university. Students at participating schools may earn college credits in high school, complete an associate's degree one year after graduating and complete an Edwards Campus bachelor’s degree two years later. The program also gives Missouri students an automatic Kansas tie, which can aid in KU medical school admission, and access to KUEC’s MetroRate.

Cook, superintendents, community college leaders and a current Degree in 3 student will be available to discuss the effect this agreement has on the Kansas City community and the importance of institutional collaboration for student success. 

Reserved seating for media is provided. RSVP here to reserve your spot. If you would like to access the space for media setup at 9:30 a.m., please contact Hannah Lemon at 913-897-8755 or hannah.lemon@ku.edu to confirm. Otherwise, doors will open at 9:45 a.m.