Murray State University and We Lead CS expand access to college credit and technology careers for west Kentucky students
By Natalie Thurmond | Oct 14, 2026
MURRAY, Ky. — Murray State University formalized its partnership with We Lead CS through the signing of a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday, Oct. 14.
The partnership extends Murray State's commitment to provide accessible educational opportunities throughout its service region while creating an additional pathway for students interested in pursuing computer science degrees and careers after high school. This is the first dual credit agreement We Lead CS has entered with a comprehensive university.
In August 2026, Murray State and We Lead CS began working together to offer computer science dual credit courses to Kentucky high school students who may not have access to qualified computer science instructors due to staffing or enrollment constraints.
“At Murray State University, we are committed to expanding access to higher education and creating pathways that help students turn their interests into future opportunities,” Murray State University President Dr. Ron K. Patterson said. “This partnership with We Lead CS allows more students across west Kentucky to experience college-level computer science coursework, earn college credit while in high school and take an important first step toward a degree at Murray State. By bringing these opportunities closer to home, we are helping students prepare for success in college and careers while strengthening the future workforce of our region.”
Courses are offered through Racer Academy, Murray State’s dual credit program, allowing students to earn high school and college credit simultaneously. Students participate in live, virtual classes taught by We Lead CS teachers credentialed to teach Murray State courses, interacting with instructors and classmates in real time while remaining in their home high schools.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to partner with We Lead CS because it gives high school students in rural communities access to college-level computer science courses that they may not otherwise have available to them,” Executive Director of Murray State University’s Center for Adult and Regional Education Dan Lavit said. “Through Racer Academy, students can explore their interest and develop their skills in computer science while earning college credit. We hope this partnership encourages more students to pursue computer science and technology-related careers and helps Murray State play a role in meeting the workforce needs of our region and the state.”
The Kentucky General Assembly established the virtual computer science career academy in 2022 and appropriated a total of $6 million in the 2024 and 2026 budget sessions to support its work.
“Our western Kentucky school partners were clear: they wanted their students to have opportunities to earn dual credit through Murray State,” said Alicia Sells, Chief Executive Officer of We Lead CS. “Together, we are giving students an earlier start toward college degrees and technology careers, right from their local high schools.”
For more information about Murray State University's Racer Academy dual credit program, visit murraystate.edu/raceracademy.