Essex CTE Students Earn College Credits Before Graduation

Students at the Center for Technology, Essex are accumulating dozens of college credits through their high school programs.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:45am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Students at the Center for Technology, Essex in Vermont are graduating high school with a significant number of college credits already earned through their career and technical education (CTE) programs. Lillian Szykier has accumulated around 43 credits, while Kenadi Mora has over 30 credits and was named a 2026 Presidential Scholar in CTE. The programs' teacher, Eric LaRose, says the workload is substantial but provides a valuable head start on post-secondary education.

Why it matters

The ability for high school students to earn college credits through CTE programs represents a growing trend to provide more affordable and accessible pathways to higher education. This can help reduce the financial burden of college and give students a significant academic head start.

The details

Students at the Center for Technology, Essex in Vermont are graduating high school with a significant number of college credits already earned through their career and technical education (CTE) programs. Lillian Szykier has accumulated around 43 credits, while Kenadi Mora has over 30 credits and was named a 2026 Presidential Scholar in CTE. Their teacher, Eric LaRose, says the workload is substantial but provides a valuable head start on post-secondary education.

  • Students are graduating from the Center for Technology, Essex in 2026.

The players

Lillian Szykier

A student at the Center for Technology, Essex who has accumulated around 43 college credits through her high school CTE program.

Kenadi Mora

A student at the Center for Technology, Essex who has over 30 college credits and was named a 2026 Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education.

Eric LaRose

A teacher at the Center for Technology, Essex who oversees the CTE programs that allow students to earn college credits.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I have about 43 college credits, which equates to about two semesters of a regular college.”

— Lillian Szykier, Student

“Certainly, if you were just coming to the tech center and take health professions or the emergency services program, that workload is enough on its own.”

— Eric LaRose, Teacher

“I was just really shocked. My mom was like, 'Oh my gosh, this is crazy!' And I was like, yeah, it is crazy!”

— Kenadi Mora, Student

What’s next

All high school students in Vermont have the option to take dual enrollment programs to earn college credits, so more students may follow in the footsteps of those at the Center for Technology, Essex.

The takeaway

The ability for high school students to earn significant college credits through career and technical education programs represents an innovative way to provide more affordable and accessible pathways to higher education, giving students a valuable head start on their post-secondary studies.