Graduate Daria Kot with Battlefield Principal and NOVA provost

Being a junior or senior in high school is tough. Coursework becomes more difficult, extracurricular activities start to pick up, and don't forget about maintaining an active social life, all while trying to prepare for the next stage in life. Many students also begin preparing college applications, taking entrance exams, and visiting prospective colleges and universities.

One PWCS student, Daria Kot, not only tackled these responsibilities, but she maximized her efforts by taking advantage of the PWCS dual enrollment program. Kot, a 2021 graduate of Battlefield High School, will head to Cornell University in the fall with a two-year associate degree.

Daria is the first student to receive her Associate of Science in Information Technology through the Center for Applied Sciences, Interactive, and Information Technology (CASIIT) dual enrollment program at Battlefield High and awarded by Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA). She is excited for the opportunity that it has afforded her as she will begin her first year in college well ahead of the other incoming freshman.

"This program has taught me to go out and get what I want," Daria shared.

She not only put in the time and effort to take the courses during the school year, but she went above and beyond to take additional courses through NOVA over the summer. She is thankful for the opportunity and felt that it was a very affordable way to get a taste for college courses and what will be expected at the next level. She credits Professor Gail Drake, Battlefield's CASIIT and dual enrollment coordinator, for her guidance and encouragement throughout the process.

Dual enrollment courses are offered throughout Prince William County high schools and allow students the opportunity to simultaneously earn credit toward their high school graduation, while also earning college credits. Battlefield and Forest Park High Schools offer the Early College Scholars Program which uses the dual enrollment platform to allow students to earn a full Associate of Science in Informational Technology.

PWCS offers dual enrollment courses in a variety of content areas including science, math, and English. This fall, PWCS will again partner with NOVA to offer the Online Early College Program, where rising juniors and seniors may choose two courses per semester, tuition free. An informational meeting for this program will be held on Wednesday, June 16. For more information, please visit the dual enrollment webpage.