Over 900 high school seniors across the Clark County School District and local charter schools graduated in spring 2024 with college credit and a taste of the college experience under their belts – all at an affordable price thanks to UNLV's Rebel College Accelerator program.
The program allows students to complete high school and college credits simultaneously. Most of these courses are delivered through high school partnerships made with UNLV, where students can take their college course during the regular school day taught by their high school instructor. Students are also able to participate in UNLV campus-based Dual Enrollment, where classes are taught by UNLV faculty on the university's campus or online. This allows for a greater selection of classes, making it ideal for students looking for specific subject areas not offered at local high schools.
Over 140 seniors from Clark High School graduated at the Thomas & Mack Center in late May showing off their Rebel College Accelerator stoles.
“[The courses] were a little more challenging than my regular honors classes. I have enjoyed that because I was able to fully reach my potential,” said a graduating Clark High School student about the program. “It definitely prepared me for college, and I did find it challenging. I am a better writer because of it.”
High school students participating in the Rebel College Accelerator program take UNLV classes at a discounted rate and can earn their college degree sooner than average. The program helps them develop valuable skills, including time management, communication, and critical thinking while learning and preparing for the challenges of college.
“It saved a lot of money, and it gave me a good head start for college,” another graduating student said. “The courses definitely helped me see what the expectations of college courses are.”
“UNLV is expanding our partner high schools and available academic courses to provide even more opportunities for CCSD students to earn college credit while in high school. National data shows students completing college courses while in high school is positively related to completing high school and attending college,” Associate Vice Provost for Student Success Jeffrey Orgera said. “Additionally, enrolling in UNLV courses while in high school helps students gain momentum toward their intended degree and graduate from college sooner. These CCSD graduates who have participated in UNLV’s Dual Enrollment program have benefited from discounted tuition and have a great start in their college degree plans.”
Many students who participate in UNLV early college coursework plan on continuing their education as full-time UNLV students and benefit from the familiarity they gained with the campus community and university resources. In the 2022-23 academic year, more than 18% of UNLV dual or concurrent enrollment students applied and attended UNLV in fall 2023.
“It taught me what college would look like, and I’m prepared thanks to UNLV,” said another graduating Clark high school student.
Email unlv.dual.enrollment@unlv.edu if you have any questions regarding UNLV early college opportunities or high school partnerships.
