Niles Community Schools is in the process of starting a new program that would allow high school students to graduate with a two-year college degree or certificate after taking an extra year of high school.

One of the most attractive things about the program is that it won’t cost students or their families a dime.

Supt. Michael Lindley said the school district would cover the cost of tuition and fees for participating students and offset that cost by collecting per pupil funding for those students during the extra “fifth year” of high school.

“I think the greatest thing is we will give some kids hope that haven’t had it before about the ability to go to college and get a two year degree,” Lindley said. “We will be able to say if you work hard, you can get a two year college education paid for by the taxpayers in the state of Michigan. For many of our homes that is not a conversation that takes place.”

On Monday, the Niles school board gave Lindley approval to apply to the state for the program. The deadline is April 1.

If approved, Lindley said the district would begin implementing the program next year for juniors.

Those that choose to participate in the program will be enrolled in high school for five years. However, students would spend the fifth year enrolled full time on a college campus.

Students that earn enough credits would then graduate with a high school diploma and a two-year degree or certificate at the end of the fifth year.

“Technically they are in high school for five years but realistically they are on a college campus during their fifth year,” Lindley said.

Students enrolled in the program would be allowed to walk with their peers during graduation, even though they haven’t technically graduated yet.

Lindley said the program would be most attractive for students who want to graduate with a specific two-year college degree, such as someone who wants to be a dental hygienist or a welder.

Credits would be earned through Lake Michigan College.