An additional 14 students will have the opportunity to pursue an associate’s degree while still in high school as Proviso Township High School District 209 approves the expansion of its partnership with Triton College.
The decision was reached with a unanimous vote during the Nov. 12 school board meeting with a key purpose of providing the opportunity for more students to earn their high school diploma while simultaneously working towards either an associate of arts or associate of science degree from Triton College.
The program will grow from 28 students for the 2025-2026 school year to 42 spots for the 2026-2027 school year.
According to district officials, the expansion of the program will allow D209 to continue its work towards increasing the equitable access to “rigorous college coursework.”
“This expansion acknowledges both the strong demand for early college opportunities and the district’s commitment to scaling successful programs,” said Supt. Krish Mohip in agenda documents.
The expansion of the program will add an additional $192,986 in investment from D209.
For the 2026-27 school year, the program will serve 19 Year 2 students and a proposed 21 additional Year 2 students for a total investment of $360,986.
According to agenda documents, the most current tuition cost for a Year 1 student is about $8,619 while a Year 2 student’s tuition is approximately $9,473.
“While this represents a substantial increase from prior years, the long-term return for students and families. … makes the investment a worthwhile use of district resources,” Mohip said in agenda documents.
This district investment will ease the cost for D209 families in terms of savings on tuition payments while also accelerating degree completion and increasing student’s college readiness.
Additionally, district officials believe the investment will help the district get one step closer to its goal of expanding the dual enrollment program to the Proviso Math and Science Academy’s campus — allowing students to pursue their college degree on-site while also decreasing future overall costs by credentialing D209 teachers to be able to “deliver more of the required coursework in-house.”
According to agenda documents, as of Oct. 27, 2025, 16 D209 teachers had completed an application to receive their credentials to teach an additional six courses that would align with Triton’s degrees.
“The district is working diligently to identify qualified staff and is in active discussion with Triton to determine next steps,” district officials said via agenda documents.
The Dual Degree Program with Triton College is open to Proviso D209 students beginning their junior year.
Students accepted by Triton College attend classes at the community college during their junior and senior year while still being considered Proviso student. This allows them to earn both college credit and high school credit.
D209’s board of education also unanimously approved the Dual Enrollment Program in partnership with Triton College for the 2026-27 school year.
Rebranded as the Career Academes, the program offers “stackable” credentials along with college credit.
District officials said via agenda documents that offering the programs helps the district align with Goal #2 of their strategic plan: “All students will have access to engaging high quality, equitable and relevant instruction.”
Additionally, it helps the district provide “rigorous, college-aligned coursework and ensuring that students are well-supported in planning for postsecondary opportunities,” district officials said via agenda documents.
According to agenda documents, the program has seen growth in the past two years — increasing from 30 students enrolled for the 2024-25 school year to the 99 that are scheduled for the 2025-26 school year, which will cost the district an estimated $95,400.