A Louisville student graduated with an associate’s degree from Jefferson Community and Technical College before getting her high school diploma.

Asha Reaves started taking classes at JCTC all while attending Western High School. Thanks to the early college program, she was able to secure an associate’s degree at just 17-years-old free of charge. She already walked across the stage at JCTC’s graduation and will soon graduate from Western High School.

“It was pretty tough doing college and high school while sometimes having to work and dealing with other stuff outside of school and dance team and other groups I was in, but I did it,” Reaves said.

That determination is what made her stand out as one of eight students awarded scholarships funded by JCPS employees.

“Everybody was screaming and clapping and stuff. I was just really surprised and happy,” Reaves said.

That $11,000 is expected to cover the entire cost of her bachelor’s degree. She plans to major in psychology at Indiana University Southeast. If all goes according to planned, she could graduate with her bachelor’s degree at just 19-years-old without any debt.

Some other area schools have higher education options. To see what is offered, visit the JCPS website.