The “UNT Now!” program, a dual-credit opportunity that has allowed Frisco ISD students to earn college credit while in high school, is coming to an end. Starting with the class of 2028, incoming freshmen will no longer have access to the partnership, causing the district to work with Collin College to develop a replacement that will provide students with similar opportunities for a head start on higher education.

“I was shocked to hear that the program was closing, because it seemed to be really growing in size,” senior Ethan Kadivi said. “My brother was a part of the first class at ‘UNT Now!’ and it’s sad that they’re ending it.” 

Many other students had a similar perspective when it came to the news. 

“It was always something I wanted to be a part of,” junior Fairen Cravens said. “So when I found out that an amazing dual credit program was being discontinued, I was a little upset.”

“I feel that one of the reasons the program is ending is the lack of advertisement,” Cravens said. “A lot of students didn’t even know that the program was a thing, and they should have, because it’s awesome.”

Cravens shared that the “UNT Now!” program has provided her with the opportunity to earn college credits through more hands-on learning and activities, and she will definitely miss “the experience, the good people, and the great professors.” 

However, the two-year program that was originally intended to help students compare course learning to real-world scenarios eventually became a burden. 

“I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity and all the memories I have made there ” senior Milan McKnight said, “However, the workload was definitely overwhelming at times, and if things had gone any differently, I can’t say I would do this program again.”

McKnight shares that because she took all her core classes through “UNT Now!”, her social life took a toll, “I was no longer attending Reedy daily, so I missed out on opportunities to engage with my peers. I threw myself into my work because I felt isolated, and the stress worsened my pre-existing health problems.”

While opinions are mixed, it is unanimous that the Collin College program will have more benefits than none, providing upcoming juniors and seniors with the resources to succeed both academically and mentally.

“I admit that the commitment it took was not worth it,” McKnight said, “But I do not regret being a part of the program. It was where I was supposed to be, and it forced me to step out of my comfort zone and develop important life skills.”