Sydney Herman Will Graduate with HS Diploma and an Associate Degree

Sydney Herman will be graduating this semester from Pikes Peak Early College, with both a high school diploma and an associate degree in psychology. 

“Having a choice in my education allowed me the ability to pursue my passions through an environment in which I thrive. I wanted to be part of an advanced education program at a small school to develop better connections with the teachers, administrators, and my peers. I find that my classmates and I, who chose to go to Pikes Peak Early College, are more academically ambitious, passionate about our futures, and self-motivated,” Sydney said. 

Sydney chose PPEC, but she also chose to pursue college credit from Pikes Peak State College.

“Coming from a single-parent household and being the oldest of two, we’ve always known that paying for a college education was going to be a struggle. When I heard about a program where the district would help pay for my associate degree, I jumped at the opportunity. The more we explored Pikes Peak Early College, the more I knew it was where I was meant to be. Not only did the program lift some of the financial burdens on my father’s shoulders, but it would also challenge me academically. I am grateful I had the opportunity to be part of such a wonderful program,” Sydney said. 

Pikes Peak Early College is a public school-of-choice high school in District 49 and one of the only hybrid learning early college environments in the state. Students enrolled in Pikes Peak Early College have the opportunity to simultaneously earn their high school diploma, industry certification, associate degree, or up to two years of college credit.

This semester there are 700 D49 students across the district enrolled in free college classes through Concurrent Enrollment.

This story was originally part of a series creating awareness for National School Choice Week.