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This is in Canarsie New York City

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Disclaimer I look very different because I had really bad eczema all over my skin and this was before I went natural with my hair. I believe the I was 13 around at this time.

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Some eager Baltimore County ninth-graders are on a fast track to a free college education. It's a rather unique program that kicked off this week.Nearly 100 students have signed up to take high school and college courses at the same time, and to do it for four years straight.A few weeks ago the students were closing out their middle school years, but now they're making plans to cross the stage with a diploma, and a two-year college degree -- part of a new magnet program set to launch in September at Woodlawn High School."I was really happy when I got in, and my mom starting crying because she was so happy for me. I have so much family, and they were so happy, so I cried a little bit," student Nelida Lewis said.The students are taking part in a summer prep program on the Community College of Baltimore County to prepare them for what's ahead."Next year, when they're ninth-graders, I'll be their school counselor, and I'll continue with them supporting them and helping them all the way through," counselor Christina Sargent said.In the fall, students will begin their journey of earning 60 hours of college credits while also completing assignments necessary for a high school diploma."It's a commitment. They have to have determination and it's going to be a challenge but I think these students are really in for the challenge," said Diane Drake, CCBC director of admission.Students said they're well aware of what they've signed up for."That's going to be pretty cool," student Joseph Pratt said. "You have to study hard to be the best. You have to work like the best."It's a tall order that's expected to give students a head start, and many of their parents a break from having to pay for the first two years of college.With an associate's degree in hand, students may also qualify for scholarships to a four-year school.Also on WBALTV.com:

Some eager Baltimore County ninth-graders are on a fast track to a free college education. It's a rather unique program that kicked off this week.

Nearly 100 students have signed up to take high school and college courses at the same time, and to do it for four years straight.

A few weeks ago the students were closing out their middle school years, but now they're making plans to cross the stage with a diploma, and a two-year college degree -- part of a new magnet program set to launch in September at Woodlawn High School.

"I was really happy when I got in, and my mom starting crying because she was so happy for me. I have so much family, and they were so happy, so I cried a little bit," student Nelida Lewis said.

The students are taking part in a summer prep program on the Community College of Baltimore County to prepare them for what's ahead.

"Next year, when they're ninth-graders, I'll be their school counselor, and I'll continue with them supporting them and helping them all the way through," counselor Christina Sargent said.

In the fall, students will begin their journey of earning 60 hours of college credits while also completing assignments necessary for a high school diploma.

"It's a commitment. They have to have determination and it's going to be a challenge but I think these students are really in for the challenge," said Diane Drake, CCBC director of admission.

Students said they're well aware of what they've signed up for.

"That's going to be pretty cool," student Joseph Pratt said. "You have to study hard to be the best. You have to work like the best."

It's a tall order that's expected to give students a head start, and many of their parents a break from having to pay for the first two years of college.

With an associate's degree in hand, students may also qualify for scholarships to a four-year school.

Also on WBALTV.com:

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Baltimore County school fast tracks college education for incoming freshman

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Some eager Baltimore County ninth-graders are on a fast track to a free college education.

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We were dancing to suavemente...I'm a terrible dancer but my aunt is good

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They are from San Juan and Guaynabo Puerto Rico

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This is my original paper and it has more information and pictures if anyone is interest!