Holy Family University and Archbishop Ryan High School Launch Associate Degree Program in Health Sciences for High School Students
Holy Family University and Archbishop Ryan High School have expanded their long-standing partnership with an innovative dual enrollment program that enables students to graduate from high school with an associate’s degree in health sciences from Holy Family University.
Formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed on April 28, the initiative empowers Archbishop Ryan students to earn both a high school diploma and a college degree simultaneously – providing an accelerated, affordable pathway to high-demand careers in healthcare.
“This partnership redefines what high school can achieve,” said Dr. Anne Prisco, president of Holy Family University. “We’re not just giving them a head start—we’re helping them launch their futures with an associate’s degree, real career opportunities, and a meaningful step toward a bachelor’s degree or beyond.”
Through the program, students will take rigorous, college-level courses taught by distinguished Holy Family faculty. These classes will fulfill both high school and college requirements, significantly reducing the time and cost needed to complete a bachelor’s degree.
The Associate of Health Sciences prepares graduates for a range of in-demand, healthcare careers, including medical assistant, pharmacy technician, dental assistant, medical office administrator, a health information technician and other areas across the healthcare industry. It also lays the foundation for continued study in fields such as nursing, public health, and other healthcare concentrations.
“For us, this is about access and opportunity,” said Joe Sanginiti, president and proud graduate of Archbishop Ryan High School. “These are our students — our community — and giving them the chance to graduate with a college degree already in hand is incredibly exciting. It changes the trajectory of what they think is possible.”
Beyond academics, the program creates a supportive college experience while students are still in high school. Archbishop Ryan students will receive one-on-one mentoring from Holy Family students and faculty, helping them meet college expectations and build a strong foundation for academic and professional success.
The announcement was celebrated on Holy Family’s campus with students, administrators, and community leaders, marking a proud moment for Catholic education in Philadelphia.