Chicago State University’s Dual Enrollment Students Receive Computers

Dual enrollment students from Kenwood Academy received refurbished laptops from AT&T and Compudopt. Photo provided by Chicago State University.
Dual enrollment students from Kenwood Academy received refurbished laptops from AT&T and Compudopt. Photo provided by Chicago State University.

Chicago State University’s Dual Enrollment Students Receive Computers

By Tia Carol Jones

On Wednesday, high school students from nine high schools, who are in the Dual Enrollment program at Chicago State University, received computers. The distribution event is part of AT&T Illinois; “Back to School” Connectivity Month. Students from Bowen, Kenwood Academy, Harlan, Butler College Prep, Perspectives IIT, Perspectives Leadership Academy and Perspectives Joslin, as well as Thornton Fractional North and Thornton Fractional South, also received computers from Compudopt.

The Chicago State University Dual Enrollment program enables high school students to take college classes while in high school. They can enroll in up to two courses each semester. Students enrolled in the program are able to receive tutoring and can also take advantage of peer coaching. Students in the program can transfer the credits they earn to colleges and universities once they graduate from high school.

“This program opens doors for high school students to earn college credits early, giving them a head start on their education, reducing financial barriers and perhaps, most importantly, building the confidence that they belong in higher education,” said Melanie Sillas, Executive Director of the Chicago State Foundation.

Chicago State University’s Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott thanked AT&T and Compudopt for its investment in education and student success. She said in looking at data, the transition from high school to college can be difficult for students from some communities. She said it is the reason why the University has embedded support for community high schools in Cougar Commitment, a student success strategy.

“Our commitment is to look at pathways and opportunities that we as an institution can offer to ease that transition from high school to college for those that are interested in pursuing a college degree,” Scott said.

Scott said part of the University’s student success strategy is to ensure technology is in the hands of the students who are interested in pursuing college coursework. She said it is difficult to do that without technology. She added that with these essential resources, the students will be able to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Candice Schaefer, of Compudopt, said Illinois is one of the markets where it has the highest level of impact. Eileen Mitchell, President of AT&T Illinois, said that during “Back to School” Connectivity Month, 1,500 laptops would be distributed to students in Chicago and throughout Illinois. She told the students to believe in themselves, because with hard work and belief in themselves, they can achieve anything.

“We’re providing these laptops because access to the internet connects people to greater possibilities. At AT&T, that’s what we do. We believe that connecting changes everything,” Mitchell said.

Sillas said that AT&T’s leadership in expanding digital access, along with Compudopt’s commitment to ensuring students have the technology they need, are making a real and lasting impact. She said that by distributing the laptops to the students, AT&T and Compudopt are helping Chicago State University level the playing field and empowering students on their path to success.

For more information about Chicago State University, visit www.csu.edu. For more information about how AT&T is bridging the digital divide, visit sustainability.att.com/cr/bridging-digital-divide.

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

Quandra-Urban Market Exchange