Students get college headstart with high school program
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A unique program at a local community college is giving high school students a headstart into their college careers. For families, it can mean huge savings, and for students, it's a chance to explore career paths and transition into college life.
Madison Dias of White Haven is making the most of her senior year in a unique and ambitious way. A student at Hazleton Area Cyber Academy, she's completing her high school education online while also getting a head start on her future.*
"I was always a learner and wanted to get a head start on my career," Dias said.
At just 18, Madison is enrolled at 天美传媒, where she's taking college-level courses through the school's Early College Program, earning credits before even receiving her high school diploma. "I took anatomy and physiology last fall and was in a classroom here at the main campus, and I loved it,' Dias said. "It's just a great experience, the professor's right there, you're able to talk to them if you have any questions. It's a lot easier than online."
Right now, Dias is taking Sociology and Psychology courses at LCCC. Not only is Madison earning transferable college credits, but her tuition is also free thanks to a scholarship. "Madison is covered by a scholarship opportunity through EITC funding, which is tax-deductible through local business donor who gives money, and so then they get tax credits for it," Maria DeLucca, Dean of Early College and Educational Partnerships said. "It's for students K through 12 but being those students are enrolled in college, the money can be used to pay for their tuition."
"It's a lot different than high school, you can make your own schedule, the professors work with you, they want you to succeed," Dias said. "So it's totally different perspective than high school."
For students who don't take Early College Courses at LCCC's Main Campus, they have the option of taking courses at one of the seven satellite campuses throughout the area.
"The primary benefit of Early college is really the success that students find in early college, which then leads to further success in post-secondary education," DeLucca said. As for Dias, she is set to graduate high school in June. In the fall, she will begin her college journey full time at LCCC working towards a career in respiratory therapy or nursing.
Without a scholarship, LCCC credits are $75 each. Those interested can visit LCCC's Early College page.