When Daniel enrolled in the L.G. Pinkston Collegiate Academy last year, he was not fully aware of how the experience would change his life. Today, he is a sophomore in the program and college is more than a dream; it is a reality.
“What I like about this program is the opportunity to visit a number of colleges. Last year, we had field trips to visit TCU, Texas, and many more. I’m looking forward to more visits this year,” Daniel explained.
Other classmates chimed in saying the program helps them with their careers. That’s right, these students, at the tender age of 14 and 15, are already sharply focused on planning and preparing for what they will do in their adult years, and they see college as a critical part of the equation.
As students returned to class for the first day of school, Pinkston Collegiate Academy students had extra incentive and reason to celebrate as College Administrator Eber Perla announced that of the eight collegiate academies that launched in 2016, Pinkston had the top stats in several categories, including:
- 100 percent passing for dual credit courses
- 98 percent student retention
- 99 percent biology pass rate
- 94 percent English I pass rate
To help celebrate, the school’s industry partners Brent Beckert with Haynes and Boone, LLP and Tiffany Haley with Parkland Hospital and community partner Shawn Scott of Hack My Future stopped by to cheer the students on and encourage them to have another successful year.
Perla issued a light-hearted challenge to the students to continue giving 100 percent, “because other collegiate academies are coming for us. They want to have the success we’re having.”
In partnership with the Dallas County Community College District, Dallas ISD has 23 early college programs across the district where students can earn up to 60 hours of college credit or an associate degree, at no cost to students. It is an initiative that many term a game changer for Dallas ISD students. Based on the reactions and plans for the future of these Pinkston students, they are determined to make the most of this unique opportunity and see a bright path ahead.
