A partnership among LRHSD, Rowan College of Burlington County (RCBC), and Rowan University (RU), CAP offers students taking select courses an opportunity to earn both high school and college credit.
The innovative College Acceleration Program (CAP) Scholarship from the Lenape Regional Foundation, now in its second year, is making it possible for more Lenape Regional High School District (LRHSD) students to earn college credits while still in high school. The Foundation presented the scholarship at the LRHSD Board of Education meeting on October 18, 2017.
A partnership among LRHSD, Rowan College of Burlington County (RCBC), and Rowan University (RU), CAP offers students taking select courses an opportunity to earn both high school and college credit. The scholarship is offered to high-achieving students who are enrolled in CAP courses, but may not be taking full advantage of the program to earn up to 3 credits per course.
“There were a number of students who qualified for CAP credit and have not applied to receive the college credit for the course work they are successfully completing,” said LRHSD Superintendent Dr. Carol Birnbohm. “The Foundation’s CAP Scholarship will help make the dream of college, that second graduation, a reality for more Lenape Regional High School students.”
Birnbohm said that, based on the success of the scholarship’s inaugural year in 2016–17, the Lenape Regional Foundation was determined to fund the scholarships again in 2017–18.
Foundation President Ed O’Malley said, “It’s our privilege to once again partner with the Lenape Regional High School District to improve the educational opportunities and future for more of our communities’ outstanding students. The Foundation’s efforts reflect the overarching commitment of the district to provide every student with nearly limitless opportunities to reach their full potential.”
According to Birnbohm, CAP scholarships are available to those students who qualify for the federal free and/or reduced lunch program and currently are enrolled in at least one CAP eligible course. Members of the LRHSD staff, who also are approved as RCBC and RU adjunct professors, teach these courses in their respective high schools during the regular school day.
“We have found that starting the process of earning college credits in high school often is a catalyst for students to continue their college pursuit after their high school graduation,” explained Birnbohm. “By starting students on the path to a college degree while still in high school, CAP helps them start making our Two Graduations message into a reality: first, their graduation from high school, and then, secondly, their graduation from a college or university.”
According to O’Malley, the Lenape Foundation has provided funds in the past to engage guest speakers who motivate and provide professional development for staff and students. Most recently, this support has included the visit by nationally renowned speaker Chris Herren, who educated students, staff, and community members on the importance of being free from substance abuse.
