Islander Academy, TAMU-CC’s Dual Credit Program, Offers High School Students a Higher Education Head Start
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Local high school students are getting a jump start on their future thanks to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Islander Academy dual credit program. The program allows high school students to earn college credit in select courses while continuing to work toward their high school diploma.
“Islander Academy offers a tremendous opportunity for high school students to get a head start on their university journey,” said Dr. Kelly M. Miller, TAMU-CC President and CEO. “With a wide variety of courses available, these students are not only expanding their knowledge in key subject areas but also building essential learning skills that will benefit them throughout their careers. It’s more than just earning college credits early — it’s about equipping young adults with the tools they need to succeed in both higher education and life.”
Core subjects like math, history, psychology, political science, and economics are just a few of the college classes students can complete. The program officially launched in August 2024.
Gregory-Portland High School (G-PISD) is the latest institution to join the Islander Academy dual credit program. They along with Rockport-Fulton High School and Incarnate Word Academy are part of the dual credit program that focuses on the core college curriculum. Tuloso-Midway High School and Klein Collins High School, which is in the Houston area, have a dual credit partnership with TAMU-CC that focuses on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) courses. In all, nearly 300 students are a part of the 2024 dual credit cohort, with 164 students coming from G-PISD.
On Oct. 11, the university hosted an event to sign a memorandum of understanding with G-PISD, celebrating the partnership.
“The formal signing of this agreement marks an exciting new chapter in the history of both our district and university partnership; one in which we remove barriers and expand opportunities for students that will enrich and transform their lives in high school and beyond,” said Dr. Michelle Cavazos, G-PISD Superintendent. “Collaboration among institutions like ours are no longer an option yet are vital for lifelong student success. On behalf of our board and entire district, I am grateful for the strong partnership with Dr. Miller and the team at TAMU-CC for this endeavor and others where our visions align in service to our students and staff.”
Islander Academy dual credit students benefit from a range of resources, including college readiness support, hands-on learning experiences, and access to Islander social events like athletic games and concerts. High schools can choose from three learning modes: an on-campus experience at the Island University, an online option for flexible scheduling, or a customized campus delivery. In the customized option, TAMU-CC instructors teach at the high school, or high school teachers are certified by TAMU-CC to lead classes and receive a stipend and ongoing support.
The Islander Academy is not just a game changer for a high school student’s education — it’s a game changer for parents’ wallets, too. The dual credit program offers students a high-quality college education at a fraction of the cost. That’s exactly what caught the attention of G-P High School senior, Quinn Supnet, who is taking two courses in the Islander Academy, English 4 and macroeconomics.
“The value that I’m able to receive taking college courses while in high school is really helping me get a head start,” Supnet said. “My knowledge base is expanding, and I’m gaining the skills and confidence I need to know that I can make it in college. It is clear that the leadership at G-PISD and TAMU-CC care a great deal about us as students, and they have committed their life’s work to giving us our best chance in life.”
Supnet said he plans to major in finance analytics once he starts college.
“We hope all of our dual credit students will choose to continue their academic journey at the Island University,” Miller said. “But even if they pursue other paths, we are proud to be laying the foundation for their success in higher education. This program helps raise the educational profile of the entire Coastal Bend community.”
To learn more about the TAMU-CC Islander Academy dual credit program, click here.
