School districts and high schools throughout Collin College’s service area are making a big impact when it comes to offering dual credit opportunities to their students.
Dual credit classes allow students to earn high school and college credit simultaneously. Not only are the larger districts expanding their offerings in this area, but smaller partners like Princeton, Anna and The Colony high schools are participating, as well.
Princeton ISD’s College Jump Start program allows students to begin taking dual credit courses in 10th grade and encourages students to take part by reimbursing them the cost of tuition if they earn a C or better in their dual credit courses. Tuition is free for Princeton students who qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch program.
Even without tuition reimbursement, students in Collin College dual credit classes are reaping the financial benefits of the college’s cost per credit hour, which is the lowest in the state. Spread over three or four years, the cost is manageable for most families.
Both Anna ISD and the Collegiate Academy at The Colony High School offer dual credit classes beginning in students’ freshman year, putting their students in an excellent position to earn an associate degree by the time they graduate high school. The early start gives the students time to work the dual credit classes into their schedules organically with a support system built in that can be crucial.
“I think that support is a big component of college success,” said Raul Martinez, associate vice president of P-12 Partnerships at Collin College. “Many students drop out in the first year because of the other responsibilities they might not have encountered before.
“By completing two years of college while in high school, they have the support systems of family and school counselors, allowing them to focus on school and making them more apt to complete a four-year degree.”
Learn more about dual credit at http://www.collin.edu/express/dualcredit.html.