The Selma City School System is working on a new program that could help poor and disadvantaged students obtain a college degree.

Through a $400,000 grant provided by SECME-a strategic alliance that partners public schools with universities, industries, and government agencies-students can receive two years of college credit while still in high school.

Superintendent Dr. James Carter said through the SECME Early College High School Initiative, students can graduate with a high school diploma as well as a two-year college certificate.

The school system is partnering with Wallace Community College Selma, Alabama State University and Tuskegee University to develop the curriculum for the early college initiative.

The program will offer up-to-date science, technology, engineering, and mathematics courses Selma High students can take online or at a college campus.

Carter said this program goes beyond what is already being offered by the dual enrollment program at WCCS.

The focus of the early college initiative is to get more students interested in careers such as agribusiness, aqua culture, engineering and technology.

Carter said he believes that once some of the students step onto a college campus, they may want to continue on and get a two-year or four-year degree.

The first part of the grant is currently being developed for implementation this fall.

The SECME Early College High School Initiative is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The Carnegie Corporation the Ford Foundation.

SECME will provide funding over the next three years to the ECHS Initiative which will be utilized for curriculum design, staffing, developing of partnerships and equipment.