AFRICA | 18-year-old girl graduates US university before high school, becomes the first graduate in her family.
18 years old, Melanie Sola has achieved an extraordinary milestone, earning her associate’s degree before even graduating from high school in the United States.
Melanie, a native of East Boston, became the first in her family to graduate from college when she received a Liberal Arts Associate’s Degree from Bunker Hill Community College during her senior year at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School (MPTVHS).
She made history as one of the first Boston Public School (BPS) students to earn a college degree before receiving a high school diploma.
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Melanie’s achievement was made possible through MPTVHS’s dual enrollment program, RoxMAPP (Roxbury Massachusetts Advanced Post-Secondary Pathways).
RoxMAPP allows students in grades 10 through 12 at Madison Park to take free college courses at participating community and technical colleges. Students earn college credits, receive free books, and can begin their college journeys without accumulating debt.
Melanie enrolled in RoxMAPP in 10th grade and skillfully balanced her college coursework at Bunker Hill with her vocational studies in Cosmetology at MPTVHS. She graduated high school with not only a diploma but also a professional cosmetology license.
In addition to her academic accomplishments, Melanie was elected as the State Historian for SkillsUSA. She became the first student from MPTVHS to hold a SkillsUSA State Officer position and is one of just 10 students on the Commonwealth’s SkillsUSA Executive Council.
Upon graduation, Melanie continued her academic journey at Northeastern University, where she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration on a full-ride scholarship.
She has been recognized with multiple scholarships, including the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation and GE Foundation scholarships, the SkillsUSA/NTHS scholarship, and the Boston Public High School Scholarship.
Melanie expressed deep appreciation for the opportunities provided by her high school.“In 8th grade, I knew I wanted to attend Madison Park so that I could receive a traditional education and learn life-long skills to prepare me for the workforce. No other high school in Boston could have given me this opportunity,” she said.
“As a first-generation student, going somewhere that could give me a head start on my future was a dream. Throughout my four years, Madison Park teachers and mentors supported me with all the resources I needed,” Melanie added.
In 2024, Melanie graduated from Northeastern University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, fulfilling her dream and setting a strong example for others in her community.
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