Five High School Dual Credit Students Earn Associate Degrees from GCCC
[Garden City, KS] May 6, 2025 -- In an impressive academic accomplishment, five local high school students will graduate with associate degrees from Garden City Community College (GCCC) this year, before receiving their high school diplomas. These students have completed all requirements of GCCC’s Dual Credit EDGE program, earning their associate degrees while still enrolled in high school:
- Bianca Araiza from Lakin High School
- Jesus Chanez from Greeley County High School
- Kayda Garcia from Lakin High School
- Austin Ritsema from Lakin High School
- Alexander Rodriguez from Scott Community High School
GCCC’s Dual Credit EDGE program enables eligible high school students to enroll in college-level courses and accumulate credits toward their future college degree while still in high school, giving them an edge on their post-secondary education. Notably, research has consistently shown that students who engage in college-level coursework during high school exhibit greater academic momentum, take more college credits, and transition to college more smoothly, leading to higher rates of success and completion.
Dr. Ryan Ruda, President of Garden City Community College, highlighted the importance of the program, saying, “Community colleges are built on the values of accessibility and affordability, and the GCCC Dual Credit EDGE program reflects those ideals. By providing students with the opportunity to begin their college education earlier, we are advancing their academic preparedness, reducing overall educational costs, and supporting more efficient degree completion.”
Each of the graduating students has a unique story and ambitious plans for their future:
- Bianca Araiza from Lakin High School attended GCCC for two years and earned an Associate in Science (Liberal Arts & Sciences). She plans to study pre-med at the University of Michigan, with a career goal to become a doctor. When asked about her experience with GCCC’s Dual Credit EDGE program, Bianca shared, “Taking dual credit in high school at GCCC has helped me move ahead in my career. All of my instructors were really great, and I had a good experience taking their classes. GCCC has helped me be a better person by pushing myself for my future self.”
- Jesus Chanez from Greeley County High School has attended GCCC for three years and earned an Associate in Science (Liberal Arts & Sciences). He plans to attend Kansas State University to study mechanical engineering, with a career goal of becoming a Mechanical Engineer Officer in the Army. When asked about his experience with GCCC’s Dual Credit EDGE program, Jesus shared, “GCCC’s dual credit program is a great and useful program that allows determined students to get a head start on their future education.”
- Kayda Garcia from Lakin High School attended GCCC for two years and earned an Associate in Science (Liberal Arts & Sciences). She plans to attend Kansas State University to study athletic training, with a career goal of becoming a Certified Athletic Trainer. When asked about her experience with GCCC’s Dual Credit EDGE program, Kayda shared, “The dual credit program helped me get ahead in college and gave me college experience. Without the dual credit program, I wouldn’t have had the opportunities I have right now.”
- Austin Ritsema from Lakin High School attended GCCC for two years and earned an Associate in Science (Business Administration). He plans to attend Fort Hays State University and run track, with a career goal of starting his own business. When asked about his experience with GCCC’s Dual Credit EDGE program, Austin shared, “Using the dual credit program at GCCC has helped me gain a head start on my education. It has given me endless opportunities.”
- Alexander Rodriquez from Scott Community High School attended GCCC for three years and earned an Associate in Science (Business Administration). He plans to attend Newman University and wrestle, with a career goal of owning his own appraising business. When asked about his experience with GCCC’s Dual Credit EDGE program, Alexander shared, “Having this opportunity has taught me how to multitask and handle stress more easily. It has also helped me excel in school and allowed me to complete the more difficult classes early on. Now, I can focus solely on my major. Also, it has given me a head start in preparing for life.”
President Ruda commended these students for their outstanding achievements and expressed confidence in their ability to excel in their chosen paths, given the solid foundation they've gained at Garden City Community College.
GCCC offers various pathways for high school students to earn college credit, including concurrent enrollment, dual enrollment, and online enrollment. Dual credit enrollment is open to students in grades 10-12, with prerequisites ensuring academic preparedness for college-level coursework.
To enhance accessibility, GCCC provides scholarships to high schools in its service area for students taking non-technical dual credit courses. Additionally, the Buster Boost program enables high school students who qualify for free and/or reduced lunches to take non-technical courses at no cost for tuition and fees. Through the statewide Excel in CTE initiative, GCCC also offers technical courses at high school sites, on the GCCC campus, and online, often at no cost to the student.
For more information on the Dual Credit EDGE program at GCCC, students are encouraged to contact their high school counselor or Dawn Tucker, GCCC Dual Credit Coordinator, at dawn.tucker@gcccks.edu or 620-276-0441. Additional details are available on the GCCC website.
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Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.