It's the last day of school for 240 students in the Youngstown Early College program.  A partnership that lets Youngstown City Schools students take high school and college classes at YSU.

"Particularly minority students, and students who perhaps, might be first generation college students.  And research has shown that the earlier the students learn about access to college, the benefits of college, the more likely it would be that they'll graduate from college.", says Dr. Alison Harmon, Associate Dean, YSU College of Education.

The program was the first of its kind in Ohio when it started four years ago.  And this weekend, the first graduating class of 41 seniors will get their high school diplomas.  Four of them have even earned enough credits to get associates degrees in general studies.

"These students have been incredibly successful, and the fact that you're getting a high school diploma on one day, an associates degree on another day, is pretty exciting for us.", says John Wilson, Dean of Youngstown Early College.

And three-fourths of the graduating seniors have decided to continue their higher education right here in Penguin Country.

"Doctor Sweet has offered scholarship money to our graduating seniors if they choose to stay at YSU.", says Wilson.

"The four of us who got the associates degree are getting full scholarships, room and board, tuition, everything.", says Kristi Mraz, valedictorian, YEC Class of '08

It should be a smooth transition for Kristi and her twin sister Misti, who are already familiar with the campus.

"Now I know what to expect, and I know most of the professors, especially in the math department, I know all the professors so they help me, and they really know me, and they help me and my sister get ready for college.", says Mraz.

Good luck to all the grads!