DeVry Launches IT Dual Enrollment to AI-Proof High School Careers

LISLE, IL – April 29, 2026 – As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the global workforce, DeVry University has announced a strategic partnership to provide high school students with an early pathway into technology careers. Teaming up with homeschool curriculum provider Time4Learning and the accredited Brightspire Virtual School, DeVry is launching a dual enrollment program that allows 11th and 12th graders to earn a college-level certificate in Information Technology Essentials while completing their high school diplomas.

The initiative aims to address the growing demand for tech-savvy professionals by equipping students with foundational IT skills before they even step onto a traditional college campus. By offering this program at a reduced cost, the partnership also seeks to make higher education more accessible and affordable, easing the financial burden on families.

Bridging the Gap from High School to High Tech

At the core of the collaboration is a 23-credit Undergraduate Certificate in Information Technology Essentials. The curriculum is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive foundation for entry-level technology roles. Students will delve into essential topics including computer hardware, modern operating systems, networking principles, Python programming, cloud computing systems, and cybersecurity fundamentals.

This curriculum is not merely academic; it is directly aligned with skills sought by employers and tied to several industry-recognized certifications. Graduates of the program will be prepared for certification exams such as CompTIA A+, a crucial credential for IT support roles; CompTIA Linux+, which validates skills for managing the open-source systems that power much of the internet; and CompTIA Cloud Essentials+, which covers the fundamentals of the rapidly expanding cloud computing sector. The inclusion of Python programming further enhances student marketability, as it remains one of the most versatile and in-demand languages across data science, web development, and automation.

The demand for these skills is robust and projected to grow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that employment in computer and information technology occupations will grow much faster than the average for all occupations, with fields like information security analysis seeing particularly rapid expansion. This program directly feeds into that talent pipeline, giving students a significant head start in a competitive job market.

"We are proud to join forces with Brightspire and Time4Learning,” said Scarlett Howery, DeVry University’s vice president of strategic partnerships. “Together, we’re expanding access to high-quality tech education, reducing college tuition costs and easing the financial burden on students and their families. These learners are going above and beyond, taking college-level coursework while balancing the demands of high school. These valuable skills directly translate to the demands of today’s rapidly evolving workforce, and we are proud to be a part of their journeys.”

Reshaping Education for a Digital-First World

This partnership represents a significant step in the evolution of educational models, specifically catering to the growing communities of homeschool and virtual school learners. The program’s 100% online delivery model provides the flexibility that these students and their families require, allowing them to integrate accelerated college coursework into their existing schedules.

The collaboration leverages the unique strengths of each partner. DeVry University provides the accredited, career-focused higher education curriculum and instruction. Time4Learning, a prominent provider of online curriculum for homeschooling families, serves as a key channel to its extensive student base. Meanwhile, Brightspire Virtual School, an accredited online institution under the same parent company, Cambium Learning Group, offers the program to its students within a more structured virtual school environment complete with certified teachers and mentors. This three-way support system is designed to ensure students have the resources they need to succeed.

The initiative acknowledges a shift in how and where learning happens, moving beyond the traditional brick-and-mortar classroom to meet students where they are. For families who have chosen alternative education paths, this program offers a structured and valuable connection to higher education and career readiness.

"This collaboration creates a powerful opportunity for Brightspire Virtual School and Time4Learning students to begin earning college credit while still in high school,” added Cheryl Dodge, Time4Learning president. “That kind of early exposure can be truly transformative for students and families.”

An 'AI-Proof' Foundation for the Future Workforce

The program's launch comes at a critical time when discussions about the future of work are dominated by the impact of artificial intelligence. Rather than making human skills obsolete, the rise of AI is increasing the demand for individuals who can build, manage, secure, and innovate the underlying technological infrastructure. By focusing on foundational IT skills, the DeVry certificate aims to provide students with a resilient and adaptable "tech stack" that will remain relevant in a changing digital landscape.

The financial model is another key component. By offering the certificate at a "reduced cost" through partner tuition savings, the program directly tackles the issue of rising college debt. Students who complete the 23-credit certificate not only gain a valuable credential but also make significant progress toward a bachelor's degree, potentially saving tens of thousands of dollars and years of study time. This approach makes a four-year degree more attainable and accelerates a student's entry into a high-paying career field.

This dual enrollment initiative is not an entirely new concept for DeVry. It builds upon the success of its long-standing Advantage Academy program, which was founded in 2004. That program allows Chicago-area high school students to earn both their high school diploma and an associate degree simultaneously. The university reports high success rates for the Academy, suggesting a proven framework for guiding high school students through the rigors of college-level coursework.

To be eligible for the new IT Essentials program, students must be in the 11th or 12th grade at either Time4Learning or Brightspire Virtual School. Prospective students must also pass a placement assessment and, for those submitting transcripts, maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. The coursework is delivered in an accelerated 8-week university schedule, demanding commitment and discipline from its young participants, who are poised to become the next generation of technology leaders.