KU, Lawrence Public Schools sign agreement expanding concurrent enrollment program


LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas and Lawrence Public Schools have expanded a partnership that will allow high school students to receive KU credit for classes they are taking in high school.

Chancellor Douglas A. Girod appeared Monday at an event with Anthony Lewis, Lawrence Public Schools superintendent, to celebrate the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the district that expands the program, which is called Jayhawk Blueprint.

Girod said the program provided a benefit for students in high school who want a head start on their post-secondary plans as well as KU faculty and staff with children in high school. Classes are available at a reduced cost from regular KU tuition rates.

“This is a great partnership that benefits both of our organizations,” Girod said. “High school students in our community and their families can take advantage of these offerings to reduce the students’ time to degree and experience college-level learning, allowing for additional academic exploration later in their academic careers.”

Ten high school courses taught in Lawrence schools are eligible for the program. The offerings include options in areas like English, math, political science, history, sociology and psychology.

The courses are designed to be transferable to other universities and fulfill general education requirements that can be applied to a variety of majors. High school teachers will get access to additional resources and opportunities to consult with KU faculty and staff about curriculum choices through the program as well.

“We hope that, by working together, we can demonstrate what the KU experience is all about,” said Susan Klusmeier, KU’s interim vice provost for undergraduate studies. “Together with the school district, we are working to make these classes available to a wide range of students, regardless of where their paths may take them after high school.”

Mon, 10/07/2019

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Andy Hyland

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