College Credit Plus advances Student's potential

A new program designed for students to receive college credit has taken Ohio by storm. Designated as College Credit Plus, the program allows high school students to earn college credit while still in high school.

Created specifically for students based in Ohio, the program seeks to, “improve the educational attainment of Ohio citizens” according to Ohiohighered.org. Any student enrolled in a public Ohio high school within grades 7-12 may be eligible for the program, with private schools varying in admission.

College Credit Plus provides options for students to pursue work outside of high school classwork. It reduces the time and cost of attending college after school.

“Ultimately the point is for high school students who are college ready to have the opportunity to jump-start their college and get their credit paid for,” according to Lauren McGarity, who is the director of special policy projects at the Ohio Department of Higher Education

College Credit Plus essentially replaces the Post Secondary Enrollment Options program, due to Ohio requiring public colleges, as well as school districts to participate in the program. PSEO only attracted about 30,000 high school students (about 5%).

Colleges such as Lakeland Community College and The University of Akron have experienced large increases of participating students since College Credit Plus has been enacted.

Participation in the program lasts until your expected high school graduation date. After graduation, you are prohibited from participating in College Credit Plus

“I agree with it,” said Senior Tyler Vento, a participant in ExelTech. “It’s cool for people to get an early jump on their college career before they finish high school.”

Students are still expected to follow rules set by the college or the university that is providing the college credit opportunity.

Courses aren’t limited in college, with the exception of remedial or religious classes, as well as applying toward a degree or professional certificate in which you are are college-ready, according to the program’s website.

“It’s a good program for students who have a unique interest in subjects not taught at AHS,” said April. Nenadal, one of AHS’s three guidance counselors. “It can help students gain independence by controlling their own schedule, as well as taking advantage of the economic aspects of College Credit Plus.”

However, failing the college class will result in an “F” grade on your high school and college transcript, as well as being an influence on student’s GPAs. High school graduation requirements, as a result, are not waived by the program, and your diploma may only be received if you complete the college course and meet the requirements for graduation.

“I wouldn’t be a part of it,” said Senior Steven Kasicki. “My friend is enrolled in that program, and he’s not doing so well in it. If he fails, he has to pay for the course.”

A meeting will be scheduled for February 24, 2016 at 6:30 PM, where representatives from multiple colleges will be invited to Aurora High School to discuss College Credit Plus.

Students interested in becoming a part of the College Credit Plus program should talk with their school counselor and discuss how CCP can fit into their career goals. Students should notify their guidance counselor by April 1, 2016 if they plan to attend the program.

If you do not notify your counselor by the deadline, you will be forced to receive permission from the Superintendent of the school district in order to participate.