Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Whether students are heading to a university or straight into the workforce, a new partnership between Jonesboro Public Schools (JPS) and Black River Technical College (BRTC) aims to give them a tuition-free head start.

The district announced last Wednesday a partnership with Black River Technical College (BRTC) that will allow students at the Academies at Jonesboro High School to earn college credit while still taking classes on campus.

Beginning in Fall 2026, students will have access to four concurrent credit options:

• Associate of Arts (60 hours)
• Associate of General Studies (60 hours)
• Certificate of General Studies (31 hours)
• Certificate of Proficiency in General Studies (12 hours)

The district noted that, as part of the Success Ready Pathways under the Arkansas LEARNS Act, students who complete an associate degree or the Certificate of General Studies can graduate with a high school diploma with distinction. Students who complete the Certificate of Proficiency will get a diploma with merit.

According to JPS superintendent Misty Doyle, the partnership is about more than just saving money on tuition; it reflects the district’s commitment to preparing all students for success.

“We’re especially excited to support students who may not have traditionally been college-bound and now are preparing to enter the workforce, as well as those who want to just jump-start their college course. So, it’s a great opportunity for students, no matter if they are going to go on to a four-year degree or go directly to the workforce,” she said.

With the ability to earn up to 60 college hours, a student can effectively take an entire college curriculum within the high school schedule. Addressing concerns about the rigor of high school-based college courses, Doyle said the district is implementing strict accountability measures.

“There are several systems in place to communicate progress with families, and then for our own staff to check with students and make sure they’re making adequate progress and they’re successful in the program,” she said.

The district said that going through this program will cost students and families nothing, as tuition and fees are covered through the Access to Acceleration Scholarship fund administered by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education.

Doyle said that when it comes to removing barriers to ensure success for students, having systems of support and accountability will be really important.

“Obviously, if we’re encouraging them and promoting for them to start these concurrent classes and either work towards a certificate of proficiency or an associate, we want to ensure that they’re successful, and they’re completers of those programs,” she said.

The district plans to roll out courses gradually each semester, with many taught on campus by JPS teachers and others offered online through BRTC.

For parents wondering if their student is ready for this level of work, Doyle’s advice is simple: start with the school counselor. She emphasized that the goal is to align the curriculum with the student’s long-term future, ensuring they are on the right educational track.

“We’re all about ensuring that students have opportunities for either the workforce or going on to college during a degree, and so it’s just another way that we can support students and families and thinking about the future,” she said.

Parents and students can learn more about the partnership at the JHS Preview Night scheduled for Feb. 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.