Colleges, school districts collaborate to offer IT degree in 3 years

Students in two Johnson County school districts will be able to receive a bachelor’s degree in information technology three years after high school graduation under a program involving Kansas University.

The Degree in 3 program allows students in the Blue Valley and Olathe schools districts to attain college credits while in high school, officials announced Wednesday.

Upon high school graduation, students complete freshmen-sophomore credits at Johnson County Community College with the goal of earning an Association of Science degree in one year.

Then students transfer to the KU Edwards Campus to complete a Bachelor of Science in information technology in two years.

During this period, students will also gain mentorships and internships to prepare for the business world.

Officials are looking at expanding the program to additional fields of study and more school districts.