Rasheed Brown and Oshe Robinson, two students studying in the Early College Program. (Photo: Khari Jackson/ Echo Staff Photographer)

If the person sitting next to you happens to be at least four years younger than you, don’t be surprised. N.C. Central University’s Early College program presents an opportunity for 240 high school students to attend their first year of college at the University.

“The program is a unique opportunity to expose students to positive education that is much easier than normal,” said Nicholas King, principal of the early college program.

Supported by the Quotes Foundation, the program is funded by a $400,000 grant from Secem, Inc.

The school has to meet state and federal requirements and needs major support from the surrounding community.

“In order to really see the success of this program, parents, teachers and all support staff need to come out of their comfort zone and help push it along,” said King.

The students attend classes with other college students and can earn credits just like regular undergraduates.

Fifteen-year old early college student Rasheed Brown says the program has changed him. “Being around more mature students has caused me to grow up earlier,” said Brown.

Brown, who gives his mother credit for pressuring him to apply to the program, plans to be either a college professor or a psychiatrist.

“For the most part, I make mostly B’s and C’s but I do pretty well in the program,” says Brown. “I want to remain attentive.”

Because the program is accelerated to give the best education possible, the students have to absorb a lot of information in one semester to keep up.

However, the program offers a special study hall where students can go for additional help.

“The staff is very supportive and they work together to get the job done,” said Brown.

With over 20 staff members, the school operates like one big family.

“The school works on a personal level,” said Harriet Davis, a math teacher in the program. “The fact that it is a small setting is very important.”

The program is designed around small classes so students can get immediate attention when problems arise.

“The reward ... is in the end when students receive a high school diploma and two years of college credits,” said Davis.

The program gives students a jump on their education while letting them advance at their own speed.