As an estimated 17,300 Bexar County-area high school students prepare to take the Advanced Placement (AP) exams starting next week, the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce calls on the business community to support student employees who request time off to complete their exams.
“We have heard from some of our school district partners that working students are considering not taking their AP exams, because they need to work to provide financial support to their families or they are concerned that employers will not give them the time off or let them make up hours,” explained Richard Perez, President and CEO of the Chamber. “The tough time we are going through right now is temporary, and we cannot lose sight of the importance of encouraging our students to pursue higher education degrees. The juniors and seniors poised to take these exams have worked hard to prepare, and our future success as a city depends on them,” Perez stated.
Approximately 60% of students in the region are economically disadvantaged, and the ability to bypass standard introductory college courses can save students significant tuition and time to completion of a degree. With the potential for earned college credits, taking AP exams can be extremely helpful in leading students toward college access and college persistence.
Because of the high percentage of economically disadvantaged students and the economic impact of the public health crisis, the Chamber encourages employers to consider a flexible approach with students registered for AP exams to ensure students do not have to bear a loss in wages in order to sit for an exam.
AP exams are administered at the end of the school year to allow students who are in AP classes to earn college credit for the course work. This year, exams will be held online starting on May 11, 2020, and continuing through May 22, 2020.
