American International College’s Pathway to College and Early College initiatives help high school students earn college credit while still completing their high school education. Through partnerships with school districts and high schools across Springfield and Western Massachusetts, students gain access to college-level coursework, build academic confidence, and strengthen their readiness for college and future careers.
These programs provide an affordable pathway to higher education by allowing students to begin earning college credits before graduating from high school. Participants develop the skills and experience needed to succeed in college while reducing the cost and time required to complete a degree.
Pathway to College
American International College has intentionally moved beyond the traditional concept of dual enrollment by creating a Pathway to College model.
While dual enrollment programs focus primarily on students earning both high school and college credit at the same time, AIC’s Pathway to College initiative is designed not only to provide college-level coursework, but also to help students envision themselves as future college students and build the confidence necessary to pursue higher education.
Through these experiences, students gain exposure to college expectations, develop stronger academic skills, and begin navigating a clear pathway toward college success.
How the Program Works
Through partnerships with regional school districts and high schools, AIC offers college-level courses to students in grades 9 through 12. Courses are typically delivered within the high school setting during the regular school day, allowing students to remain fully engaged in their high school experience while beginning their college studies.
Program Features
College-Level Coursework: Students enroll in courses that carry official American International College credit while also satisfying high school graduation requirements.
Qualified Instructors: Courses are taught by high school instructors who meet AIC adjunct faculty qualifications, including holding a master’s degree in the relevant discipline. Instructors are approved by the College and work closely with AIC faculty to ensure alignment with college-level standards and learning outcomes.
Official College Credit: Students who successfully complete courses receive an official AIC transcript. These credits may be applied toward future degree programs at AIC and may be transferable to other colleges and universities, subject to institutional policies.
Academic Rigor and Alignment: All courses follow AIC syllabi and learning outcomes, ensuring students experience authentic college-level expectations, academic rigor, and learning standards.
Early College at Duggan Academy
American International College maintains a dedicated Early College partnership with Duggan Academy in Springfield, Massachusetts.
This partnership operates under the Massachusetts Early College designation jointly awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Through this state-recognized program, students complete a structured sequence of college coursework while still in high school, creating a clear pathway to college enrollment, degree completion, and career readiness.
The partnership reflects AIC’s ongoing collaboration with Springfield Public Schools and its commitment to expanding educational opportunity for local students.