Idaho Bill Aimed At Early College Graduation

An Idaho lawmaker who spearheaded a program to reward kids who graduate from high school early now wants to shorten the amount of time it takes for students to finish college.

Republican Rep. Steve Thayn has proposed the “8 in 6 Program,” which relies on summer courses to help students complete two years of college by the time they graduate high school. Thayn says participating students could finish junior high, high school and the first two years of college in six years instead of eight.

Sugar-Salem High School may be a small town institution, but there is nothing small about its program promoting higher level coursework.

“We’re able to take college credit classes, like Communications, Psychology and English 101 and 102,” said high school students Evelyn Hernandez and Michaela Nelson.

Principal of Sugar-Salem Jared Jenks said students are thirsty to learn more and get a head start on their secondary education.

“Currently there’s a few roadblocks that need to be overcome — mainly getting the universities and colleges on-board to be able to get the course work, so students can actually earn an associate degree while attending a high school,” said Jenks.

Reporter Jessica Crandall called Idaho State University’s Marketing Director Mike Levine to find out what they think of the bill.

“It sounds great and like it would be a good initiative for students in concept. We need to know more specifics on the proposal before we can make further decisions on it,” said Levine.

As for Sugar-Salem students? They seem to like the idea.

“It’s nice to know as soon as you graduate you have something you can lean on to get a job right away,” said Hernandez.

The House Education Committee approved the legislation Monday, sending it to the full House for debate.

Thayn’s program would be limited to 10 percent of students in grades 7-12, with the state paying for each participant to take up to eight courses, at $225 apiece.