The program allows eligible students to take Howard University courses online while still enrolled in high school, giving them a direct pipeline to an HBCU experience and the opportunity to earn college credits before graduation.
"It's inspired me to get ready for the rigorous work that colleges to hold, because high school is very different than college," senior Tysean White said.
Senior Karmella Grant said the experience has helped her envision the next step in her education.
"I think it's really cool because we get to step into, like, how college is going to be, in a way. Even though it's online, I feel like I'm still getting that experience. And it's like, it's Howard."
Tysean and Karmella are among a cohort of KIPP DuBois students now entering their second semester of dual enrollment. School leaders in Parkside say the program has helped boost graduation rates and expand students' understanding of what is possible after high school, particularly when it comes to attending an HBCU.
KIPP is the only school in Philadelphia funded by the National Education Opportunity Network to offer this opportunity at no cost to students or their families.
The school says the program continues to grow, offering students early exposure to college-level expectations while strengthening pathways to higher education.