Dive Brief:

• Cincinnati Public Schools is expanding its year-old computer-based Advanced Placement program because of growing interest.
• Beginning this year, the program will include five AP courses, from Psychology to Environmental Science and Statistics, at 10 schools.
• The larger program will kick off with a pair of boot camps at local universities intended to introduce students to the structure of the courses and strategies for succeeding.

Dive Insight:

Cincinnati first developed the program to offer more opportunities to students without access to a traditional AP courses or without very many offerings. (Students who score a three or better on the end-of-year tests have the opportunity to receive college credit.)

"We encourage students to think beyond graduation, and take steps toward identifying and transitioning into meaningful careers," said Laura Mitchell, deputy superintendent and chief academic officer.

Cincinnati's not alone. As more and more jobs require a college education, districts around the country have pushed to increase the number of AP classes offered and the number of college credits students receive from them.