D211 Joins 214, 220, Harper in Launching College Now

Innovative partnership gives high school students a head start on college and careers

Pictured (left to right): Dr. Judith Campbell, Superintendent, District 211; Dr. Scott Rowe, Superintendent, District 214; Dr. Craig Winkelman, Superintendent, Barrington 220; Dr. Avis Proctor, President, Harper College

Township High School District 211, Township High School District 214, Barrington Community Unit School District 220, and Harper College are proud to announce the launch of College Now, an innovative program providing high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn an associate degree while completing their high school education.

Beginning in Fall 2026, juniors from the three districts will be able to take courses at Harper College, gaining transferable credits toward a college degree or career credential. They will spend half their day taking courses at their home high school, and the other half taking courses at Harper. Senior year will be primarily spent in classes on Harper’s campus.

“Through this partnership, District 211 students are provided the opportunity to graduate high school with a diploma plus their associate’s degree,” District 211 Superintendent Dr. Judith Campbell said. “ This is an amazing representation of the heart of education: opening doors, breaking barriers, and preparing students not just for the day they graduate, but for every day that will follow.”

Students participating in the College Now program will be able to participate in extracurricular activities at both their home schools and Harper. At the end of their senior year, participants will cross the stage with both a high school diploma and an associate degree.

The overall cost of the program is $1,000: $250 per semester for four semesters. The fee covers college coursework, support services, textbooks, and program materials.

“Harper College is proud to stand with our high school partners in creating meaningful opportunities for students to accelerate their higher education journeys,” Harper President Avis Proctor said. “College Now underscores our shared vision of affordability, access, and excellence in education.”

District 211 will hold a Family Information Night regarding the program at 6 p.m. Wednesday, October 1 in the Anne Koller Board of Education Meeting Room of the G.A. McElroy District 211 Administration Center, 1750 S. Roselle Road in Palatine. The Information Night will be livestreamed on the District 211 YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@HSdistrict211

Applications will be accepted beginning October 1, with an October 15 deadline.

More information is on Harper’s website at https://www.harpercollege.edu/collegenow.