A growing number of students at East St. Louis Senior High School are taking bold steps toward their future by qualifying to attend Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) full-time while still in high school.
After recently completing the ACCUPLACER exam, a new group of students has qualified — an opportunity that allows them to earn college credit and accelerate their path to a degree.
To qualify, students must meet rigorous GPA requirements and earn qualifying placement scores, demonstrating both academic preparation and the determination to succeed at the collegiate level.
This summer, eight sophomores and one junior will begin their college journey at SWIC. They will join four current juniors already enrolled in the program, bringing the total number of expected East St. Louis Senior High School students next year to be the highest in five years.
Enrollment by Class
- Class of 2026: 3 students currently enrolled
- Class of 2027: 5 total students enrolled for next year (3 current and 2 new)
- Class of 2028: 8 newly qualified students
And the momentum continues — four additional students are scheduled to test on March 16, with the potential to grow these numbers even further.
Removing Barriers, Expanding Opportunity
Students say they are motivated by the academic challenge and the opportunity to push themselves beyond traditional high school coursework. But another powerful factor sets this program apart: School District 189 covers every cost.
Tuition, fees, books, transportation, meals: All expenses are paid in full.
This means students can earn both their high school diploma and a full associate degree — completely free to their families. By the time their peers begin college, these students will already be halfway toward a bachelor’s degree. After earning their associate degree, they can transfer to a four-year institution and complete their bachelor’s degree in as little as two additional years.
This is more than dual enrollment. It is a transformation.
At East St. Louis Senior High School, students are not just preparing for the future — they are stepping into it early.