Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) is announcing a new partnership with the National Education Equity Lab. The opportunity is launching in the 2025-26 school year to provide dual enrollment opportunities for high school students through some of the nation’s most prestigious universities. This initiative aligns with the PWCS Vision 2025 Launching Thriving Futures Strategic Plan, reinforcing a commitment to academic excellence, equity, and college and career readiness for all students.
“PWCS is excited to bring this powerful, equity-centered program to students,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. LaTanya D. McDade. “We believe that talent abounds in PWCS and now, through this partnership, our students will access rigorous academic experiences that maximize their talents to reach their full potential.”
Beginning in fall 2025, seven PWCS high schools will participate in this pilot initiative, each hosting a different course per semester with 25 enrolled students per course. Courses are offered during the regular school day in a hybrid model featuring asynchronous lectures, synchronous discussion sections, and live virtual support. Importantly, there is no cost to students or families.
Through this model, students engage in rigorous college-level coursework taught by university professors and supported by both university teaching fellows and PWCS teachers at their base schools. Students receive transcripts from both the university and PWCS, strengthening their postsecondary readiness and college applications.
2025-26 Participating Schools and Courses
| School | Semester 1 – College | Semester 1 – Course | Semester 2 – College | Semester 2 – Course |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freedom High School | Howard University | Introduction to Environmental Studies | UC San Diego | Climate Change Solutions |
| Gar-Field High School | Arizona State | Introduction to Sociology | Vanderbilt University | Criminal Law |
| C.D. Hylton High School | Howard University | Introduction to Environmental Studies | UC San Diego | Climate Change Solutions |
| Osbourn Park High School | Howard University | Data Science I | Howard University | Data Science II |
| Potomac High School | Morehouse College | Social Problems | Stanford University | Between Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. |
| Unity Reed High School | University of Pennsylvania | Social Innovation | Vanderbilt University | Criminal Law |
| Woodbridge High School | Georgetown University | Map of the Modern World | Georgetown University | International Relations |
These courses were selected by school leaders based on existing academic programming and student interest, with a focus on complementing current college access and preparatory programs.
“This effort is more than just access to credits,” commented Dr. McDade. “It’s about confidence, representation, and reimagining what’s possible.”
Throughout the pilot year, PWCS will monitor the program’s implementation, collect feedback from students and teachers, and assess outcomes to determine future expansion. Participating schools will provide support and orientation for students selected to enroll, focusing on those who have shown promise in rigorous coursework and would benefit most from this opportunity.
“Through this partnership, we are expanding opportunities, closing gaps, and preparing students for postsecondary success,” said Dr. McDade. “This is a powerful investment in our students’ future.”
The National Education Equity Lab is a nonprofit organization that works with top-tier institutions—including Stanford University, Georgetown University, Howard University, and the University of Pennsylvania—to bring college credit-bearing courses directly into high school classrooms, particularly those serving high percentages of students from low-income backgrounds. The Ed Equity Lab model is built for scalability and long-term student impact. Since its inception in 2019, the Lab has served more than 25,000 students in over 180 Title I high schools across the U.S. Nationally, over 84% of participating students complete their courses with passing grades, earning widely transferable college credits.
For further details regarding the National Education Equity Lab, please contact your student's school.