Source:
McClatchey NewspapersIN WASHINGTON
Easley touts education program
Governor hails effort bringing college to high schools in N.C.
LISA ZAGAROLI
McClatchy Newspapers
Gov. Mike Easley
WASHINGTON --Gov. Mike Easley has a message for N.C. students discouraged by the cost and time commitment of getting a college degree.
"You don't have an excuse not to any more," he said Thursday.
Easley said the state and the College Foundation of North Carolina plan to air a public service announcement within a few days about the official launch of its Learn and Earn Online Web site, www.nclearnandearn.gov/.
The Web program, a variation of the Learn and Earn initiative that has already begun in 41 locations in the state, would essentially transform high schools into simultaneous college classrooms. Students stay in their high schools while taking some online college classes with teachers nearby to help.
Participants can spend five years in high school and leave with both their diplomas and associate degrees.
Easley discussed the program in Washington at a national conference of educators working to double the number of low-income and minority students who get a diploma and earn a college degree.
"North Carolina is leading the way in this important experiment in high school redesign and education redesign." said Righard Kazis vice president of jobs for the future, which organized the event.
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