Rich Township Senior Earns Associate Degree Before High School Graduation
Rich Township Senior Earns Associate Degree Before High School Graduation
Richton Park, IL - Rich Township High School senior Queen Thigpen walked across the graduation stage in May with more than a high school diploma. Before completing her senior year, Queen earned an Associate degree in Computer Science from Prairie State College, an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to academic excellence.
Queen’s achievement is also a powerful example of the expanding college and career opportunities available to students at Rich Township High School. Through the district’s partnership with Prairie State College, students have access to the Early College Initiative, a program designed to help high school students begin earning college credit before graduation. The program creates meaningful pathways for students to experience college-level coursework, explore areas of interest, and build confidence as they prepare for life after high school.
In recent years, Rich Township High School has continued to strengthen opportunities that give students a head start on their future. Students can participate in college-credit coursework, career pathway experiences, Advanced Placement courses, International Baccalaureate programming, industry-aligned learning opportunities, and hands-on programs connected to their long-term goals. These opportunities are part of the district’s commitment to ensuring students graduate with more than a diploma — they graduate with direction, experience, and a competitive advantage.
The continued expansion of the Prairie State College Early College Initiative is an important part of that vision. The district’s partnership with Prairie State College provides students with diverse, high-impact opportunities beginning as early as sophomore year.
Students currently have access to on-campus college courses, including college-level Economics and career-focused courses taught at Rich Township by dually certified faculty. Students can also earn industry-recognized credentials in areas such as business, safety, and pharmacy, helping them build practical skills and credentials that support both college and career readiness.
Seniors also have the opportunity to participate in off-campus immersion experiences at Prairie State College, where they can pursue General Studies coursework or specialized tracks such as the Certified Nursing Assistant program.
Rich Township has also expanded access by transitioning to offer coursework to juniors, creating additional time and flexibility for students to earn meaningful college credit before graduation. This progression is an important part of the district’s long-term vision to help more students begin college and career preparation earlier, with stronger support and clearer pathways.
Looking ahead, Rich Township is developing a formal Associate Degree Pathway that would allow students to begin college coursework in their sophomore year and work toward graduating with both a high school diploma and an Associate degree. For some students, this pathway may mean earning several college credits before graduation. For others, like Queen, it may create the opportunity to complete an entire degree while still in high school.
The district is also preparing to launch a new Certified Medical Assisting pilot program during the 2026–2027 school year. This junior-to-senior pathway will include a 40-hour externship and is designed to prepare students for workforce readiness immediately after graduation. Students who complete the program will be eligible for several National Health career
Association certifications, including credentials connected to medical assisting, administrative medical assisting, phlebotomy, EKG, billing and coding, and electronic health records.
While the Early College Initiative with Prairie State College remains a key pathway, Rich Township’s college and career work continues to grow through a broader network of dual credit and postsecondary partnerships. In addition to Prairie State College, the district currently has dual credit partnerships with institutions including Loyola University, Kankakee Community College, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Dawson Technical Institute.
One example of this expanded work is a construction work-based learning course that will allow students to assist in the renovation of a home while earning dual credit through Dawson Technical Institute. This type of hands-on learning connects classroom instruction to real-world experience and helps students explore career pathways while developing technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and confidence.
“This partnership with Prairie State College is opening doors for our students and helping them see what is possible,” said Dr. Johnnie Thomas, Superintendent of Rich Township High School District 227. “Queen’s accomplishment is a powerful reminder of the talent, drive, and promise within our district. Earning an Associate degree while still in high school is no small task. Her success reflects the importance of providing students with access to rigorous academic opportunities, strong support systems, and meaningful college and career pathways.”
Prairie State College President Dr. Michael Anthony also celebrated Queen’s achievement and the continued partnership between Prairie State College and Rich Township High School.
“Queen’s success is exactly what we hope to see through strong partnerships between Prairie State College and our local high schools,” said Dr. Michael Anthony, President of Prairie State College. “The Early College Initiative gives students the opportunity to see themselves as college students while still in high school, earn meaningful credit, and build confidence for what comes next. We are proud of Queen and excited to continue supporting Rich Township students as they pursue their goals.”
Queen’s academic journey will continue next year at Roosevelt University in Chicago, where she plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree in computer science and information technology. As she transitions into college, she will do so with a strong academic foundation and a significant head start toward her long-term goals.
“Earning my Associate degree while still in high school means a lot to me because it shows that I can push myself and achieve big goals,” Queen said. “There were times when it was challenging, but I stayed focused because I knew it would help prepare me for my future. I’m excited to continue my education at Roosevelt University and keep working toward my goals.”
Queen’s story is one of preparation, opportunity, and perseverance. It is also a reminder to Rich Township families that college opportunities can begin before high school graduation. Students interested in early college coursework, dual credit opportunities, or career-connected pathways are encouraged to speak with their school counselor to learn more about available courses, eligibility requirements, and how to begin planning for these options.
Rich Township High School District 227 celebrates Queen Thigpen for this outstanding achievement and looks forward to seeing all that she will accomplish in college and beyond.
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