Record number of Steele ECHS students earn associate degrees

Sixty-two seniors at Steele Early College High School will graduate this spring not only with their high school diplomas, but also with associate degrees — giving them a significant head start on college and saving thousands of dollars in tuition.

The Steele Early College High School Class of 2026 earned a combined 4,160 dual credit college hours while still in high school. Through the dual credit program, students receive both high school and college credit through Tarrant County College for the same coursework, allowing them to complete the equivalent of their first two years of college before graduating.

“This accomplishment represents years of dedication and perseverance,” said Todd Rogers, Steele Early College High School principal. “These students challenged themselves academically and took advantage of an incredible opportunity to accelerate their education.”

Research shows that students who participate in dual credit programs are more likely to continue on to both two- and four-year colleges. Over the past several years, Texas students in dual credit programs have consistently graduated from four-year universities at higher rates than their peers who did not participate.

Students first learn about the program while still in middle school, when Steele staff visit campuses to explain the opportunity. For many, the chance to complete two years of college early — and the financial savings that come with it — is what initially sparks their interest.

Seniors Harper Campbell, who will study meteorology at the University of Oklahoma, and Krystal Nnadi, who will study nursing at Texas Woman’s University, share their experiences and how the program has prepared them for college.

When did you realize earning your associate’s degree in high school was something you could actually do?

Harper: “I didn’t even know the district offered something like this until they came and talked to us. I went home, talked with my family about it, and realized it was definitely something I wanted to do.”

Krystal: “I was aware of it because I had a family member who went here, but I wasn’t interested in it until they came to the school. When they explained that you could have two years of college already done, that really stood out to me. It just made sense.”

When did the program start to feel real?

Harper: “At first, it just felt like we were taking classes. But after finishing our first college course freshman year and seeing it on my transcript, it felt like a really big accomplishment.”

Krystal: “Honestly, I didn’t feel like it was real until this year. Now that we’re in the final stretch, it’s like, wow — we’ve actually accomplished a lot. We have so many credits, and we’re about to earn a degree.”

What surprised you most about taking college courses in high school?

Krystal: “I thought it would be a lot harder. But if you have good study habits and time management, it’s very manageable.”

Harper: “It was a lot more flexible than I was expecting. Our professors have been really supportive, but they also give you the freedom to figure things out. It gives you room to grow and learn.”

What was the biggest challenge?

Harper: “Time management was probably the hardest part. There is more pressure to manage everything and keep up with your assignments — it’s all on you. In high school, teachers remind you about assignments. In college classes, you really have to stay on top of things yourself.”

How has the program helped you grow beyond academics?

Harper: “Steele has given me so much room to grow and learn who I am. Being in a smaller community with students who really care about their education helped me discover what I value and what I’m passionate about.”

Krystal: “Steele has helped me be more confident in myself as well. It showed me that even when something is hard, I can still do it. That makes me less afraid to try new things.”

How has the program prepared you for college?

Harper: “Steele has done such a great job preparing us for what the college environment is like and really setting us up for that transition. By the end of my junior year, I felt really confident about how college works.”

Krystal: “A lot of students struggle with time management when they first get to college. But we’ve already built those habits here.”

What impact has earning an associate degree had financially and academically?

Harper: “For me, my parents aren’t paying for college, so having my associate degree already done makes a huge difference. It’s helped me qualify for scholarships and taken away a lot of the financial stress.”

Krystal: “Now that my basic classes are finished, I can focus on what I really want to study. I’ll be able to finish college earlier and start working toward my career sooner.”

What does this achievement mean to you?

Harper: “I think it’s my personal growth and discovering more about who I am. Steele has given me the room to find out what I value and what kind of person I want to be. That’s not a discovery I could have made in a different environment because this place is so welcoming and has given me so many opportunities.”

Krystal: “I’m really proud of my accomplishments and the confidence I’ve built. A lot of times, I used to be too scared to try things. Now I realize I can just jump in and do it. That mindset helps me do more and just try. I’m not scared of failing — and even if I do fail, I learn through the experience.”

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To learn more about Steele Early College High School, please visit the school’s website.