Bellarmine University launches Dual Credit Institute

Bellarmine University’s new Dual Credit Institute has launched. The program is a school-based partnership that will involve high schools around Lexington, Kentucky partnering with the university to provide high school students with the opportunity to earn college credit before they graduate from high school. In addition to the local school partnerships, the university is also expanding opportunities for students to earn dual credits through immersive experiences on global trips and research excursions.

According to an article on Bellarmine University's website, Dr. Mark Wiegand, the vice president for academic affairs and the provost at the university, was quoted as saying, "We are proud to offer a dual credit experience that reflects the depth and excellence of a Bellarmine education. This initiative was built in close collaboration with our faculty and school partners to ensure we are supporting students, elevating teaching, helping more young people see college as part of their future, and in many instances, accelerating students' pathways to meaningful careers and service."

The schools that are participating in the inaugural year of the Dual Credit Institute are within Jefferson County Public Schools and Archdiocese of Louisville high schools. These schools include Ballard, Butler, Doss, Eastern, Male, Waggener, Assumption, Mercy, Presentation Academy, and Holy Cross. The university also has a similar partnership with Eminence High School, which was established in 2012.

Students at these schools will be able to earn Bellarmine University credits at their own high schools. They will have the opportunity to participate in courses covering topics like theology, biology, criminal justice, and education. The courses will be taught by Bellarmine faculty, by credentialed high school teachers, or a combination of the two. Teachers at the high schools will participate in ongoing workshops and development to ensure they are supported and empowered to deliver the curriculum.

One such dual-credit certified high school teacher is Cassidy Cummings of Ballard High School. Cummings said, “We are excited to be a part of a flagship dual credit partnership with an elite academic institution. Bellarmine created meaningful opportunities for students to experience college-level learning and explore careers in education. Several of our students will attend Bellarmine this fall because of their involvement in the program, and we expect that number to grow.” 

As part of the inaugural year for the Dual Credit Institute, the university’s Annsley Frazier Thornton School of Education is offering a four-course Teaching and Learning Pathway that will help prepare high school students who would like to become teachers.

In addition to the high school partnerships that allow students to earn dual credits on their own turf, the university is introducing more opportunities for earning college credits through immersive experiences. One such example is that in the summer of 2026, students from Trinity, Lexington Catholic, and Assumption will earn biology credits through a 10-day research experience in Costa Rica.

The Dual Credit Institute is looking to continue expanding high school partnerships for the future to make earning college credit more accessible to even more high school students.

For more information about Bellarmine University, visit the school’s website.