Going to college before graduating high school

Three students from Carbon County School District No 2 (CCSD2) were able to go to the University of Wyoming before they graduated high school. They were Mackenzie Priest from Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM) High School, Merilee Williams from Saratoga High School and  Oliver Tanner from Encampment High School.

According to the University of Wyoming (UW) since 1985, Wyoming's rising junior students have had the opportunity to have their first taste of college life while attending the UW Summer High School Institute (HSI). The program was created to provide an extra opportunity to learn, grow, and mature as young adults. HSI's philosophy attempts to develop the whole person rather than concentrating on academics exclusively.

75 students from all over the state of Wyoming come together on the University of Wyoming campus for three weeks to experience college life. 

Priest, Williams and Tanner all had to apply to get in the program.

Students will take college classes, stay in the dorms, participate in community service and attend events both on and off campus. UW's  goal with HSI,  is to provide a self-discovery atmosphere for a variety of students who relish a challenge or may need a little push to be challenged.  The array of activities to participate in are designed to push the limits of the student as a whole, and help each individual learn more about themselves as they move into their junior year. 

Each student is enrolled in two college style classes: a Physical and Natural World class, and a Human Culture class, as well as an additional one-hour enrichment class in the evening. Over the course of the three weeks, students will attend these classes four times a week, without the pressure of grades.  The focus in these classes is centered around learning, rather than around tests and homework. Previous classes have included: Robotics! Intro to Engineering and Computer Science, Criminal Justice: A Discussion of Crime and Punishment in Wyoming, D.C. in DC: What Comic Books and SuperHero Movies Can Show Us About Politics, Acting and Creating Believable Characters.

Besides the unique classes students have plenty of time to participate in activities like dodgeball tournaments, guest speakers, workshops, and field trips. Students become familiar with the UW campus by living in the dorms, eating in the Washakie Dining hall, utilizing Half Acre Gym , Coe Library, and the Student Union. HSI aims to encapsulate a college-like experience to give these early college candidates a jumpstart in life.

The University said the program aims to provide not only a fun and enriching experience, but also connections to help scholars advance later in life. 

HSI has established a tradition of helping to make the community a better place in which to live and learn. Students have performed many hours of community service. Some activities include: serving meals at a soup kitchen, park clean-ups, sorting clothes and canned goods for the Salvation Army, and much more.

Room, board, and instructional supplies are paid from funds granted by the Wyoming Legislature to the University of Wyoming. There is a $250 activity fee, but HSI pays for the remaining institute activities. Travel and personal expenses are responsibilities of the student. Up to 75 students are selected in a cooperative effort between Wyoming High Schools and the UW.

The three weeks went by fast for the students, and now they are back in high school. Now as they go through high school, they have a good idea of what to look forward to when they graduate and go to college.