The High Schoolers Graduating with College Degrees

By her senior year at Riverside High School in Durham, she was the co-captain of the softball team and president of the school’s National Honors Society chapter.

Official response and confirmed impact

She was also taking classes on two campuses: her high school and Durham Technical Community College.

Russell had learned as a sophomore about dual enrollment, an initiative that allows high school students in North Carolina to earn college credits—and in some cases a two-year degree or industry certification—through partnerships with local community colleges and universities.

Russell had her sights set on becoming a doctor, and after attending a virtual Q&A about dual enrollment, she decided it would help her get to her dream job faster.

“I wanted to go super far in my degrees, and this felt like a head start,” Russell said recently.

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