Edison High School senior Candace Marcus saw an opportunity to complete college-level coursework before ever stepping foot on a college campus and took advantage of it.

Candace will begin her college career with 52 college credits earned, totaling $26,000 in college tuition savings for her family when she enrolls at the University of Akron in the fall. She will pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in Biotech.

“College Credit Plus allowed me to knock out my prerequisites in high school, saving money that I would’ve spent going to a four-year school,” Marcus said. “These classes engaged my brain in ways standard high school classes couldn’t.”

Candace has been a member and captain of the Academic Competition team, Spanish Club, Calculus Club and National Beta Club. The College Credit Plus program at EHS challenged Marcus to complete college-level research projects, group assignments and written essays.

“I honestly feel more prepared for college,” she said. “My teachers have been fantastic in their fields, and I am so grateful for the opportunities they have given me and my classmates.”

Marcus would encourage future generations of Wildcats to enroll in the College Credit Plus program because it provides an opportunity to save time, money and resources. And while those are all valid reasons to take College Credit Plus courses, Candace recognizes that her teachers have helped her get to this point in her educational journey.

“The teachers of Edison High School give their all every single day,” she said. “Edison teachers care, and I will forever be thankful for attending this school.”