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A young trailblazer in San Bernardino, California, is making waves by achieving an educational milestone at just 10 years old.
Honey Cooper, a fourth-grade student, is part of a unique dual-enrollment program that allows her to attend both her elementary school and a local college simultaneously.
“I attend Kimbark Elementary School and also take classes at Valley College,” Honey explained during an ABC News interview.
Typically, dual-enrollment programs cater to high school students aiming to earn college credit ahead of time, making Honey’s participation quite remarkable, according to school administrators.
“This is incredibly uncommon,” remarked Brittany Zuniga, Principal of Kimbark Elementary. “What Honey is accomplishing is groundbreaking. She’s setting a precedent and creating opportunities for others. Many of us never imagined an elementary student could engage in a dual college enrollment. Her initiative is truly inspiring.”
“It’s extremely rare. And so what I love about Honey doing this and starting this is she’s paving the way. She’s opening the doors for everybody else, because I think so many of us didn’t even think that this was a possibility, didn’t even think that it was something that could be done — an elementary student enrolling dually in college,” said Kimbark Elementary Principal Brittany Zuniga.
Outside of academics, Honey enjoys reading, theater and spending time with friends and family. Her mother, Mia Cooper, said maintaining balance is important.
“We don’t allow phone screen time at our home. It’s very limited. So maybe she’s not the average fourth grader when it comes to that. Spending time with her friends is very important, because you have to work on that social skill,” she said.
Honey said her family’s support has played a key role in her academic journey.
“They always encourage me to try my best and always keep doing what you’re doing. And I think that really helped me, because that way I always remember the quotes and make sure to never give up on what I’m doing. And now that I never gave up on my dream, I am now here, right now, being a college student and an elementary student,” she said.
Honey, who wants to one day become an artist, a fashion designer or a surgeon, said she hopes her experience shows others what may be possible.
“This can help kids, parents and even teachers to help, so anyone can do what I’m doing right now,” she said.