DUBLIN – The Bladen Community College Career and College Promise Program (CCPP) continues to launch high school students into university environments with up to two years of college credits and a sampling of college rigors.
Cierra Griffin, BCC College and High School Programs Coordinator explains, “The College Transfer Pathway provides students with the opportunity to take college classes that will not only transfer to the high school as honors credit and can be applied to graduation requirements, but will also transfer to any of the 16 state universities and some private schools in North Carolina.”
In August, 19 Bladen County high school students will begin their university experience with two years of transferring college credits acquired at BCC while still in high school.
West Bladen High School graduate, Amber Long, remarked, “I am so thankful for such an amazing program and the coordination between Bladen County Schools and Bladen Community College. I was able to jump start my college education and better prepare myself for university-level work.”
Under the guidance of Griffin, high school students work at their own pace. The college transfer program offers associate degrees in art and science. The general education classes offered within the program are required bachelor degree classes; therefore, every credit transfers.
Lexie Mendell, an East Bladen High School graduating senior confirmed Long’s remarks. “I can honestly say it will not be easy and you must work hard, but when you graduate from high school with so many college credits that you can enter a university as a junior, it will all be worth it. My personal experience with CCPP has prepared me for my future and I am so thankful I have had the opportunity!”
Earning college credits while still in high school is a rapidly growing phenomenon across the country. With the introduction of Early College programs on community college campuses, younger students and their families save thousands of dollars in college tuition. Students must purchase books as required for classes, but the educational opportunity to earn class credits is free.
With the growing availability of online classes, students have time management flexibility, allowing active high school students to maintain their extracurricular activities and personal interests.
Motivated students can earn as much as two associate degrees. East Bladen High School student Emily Scott will receive associate degrees in both Arts and Sciences at the May 16 graduation. She was the first student in this class to complete degree requirements in the fall semester of 2016.
“The stress and rigor of taking college classes to reach this goal is definitely worth it when you realize you get to graduate with an associate’s degree at the same time you graduate from high school!” stated Scott.
“The Career and College Promise Program (CCPP) is an amazing opportunity. Not only did I earn credits that will transfer to the university I will be attending, but I was able to earn an associate’s degree and get a real slice of what college courses are like.” explained East Bladen student Alexander Gomes. “I will be attending UNC-Charlotte in the fall and because of CCPP, I am confident that I will flourish in the university environment.”
Gomes had advice for local students considering enrolling in college classes, “Work hard, stay on task, but don’t overwork yourself. You’re still a high schooler, don’t feel pressured into doing more than you can handle. Best of luck!”
Final registration for fall classes is August 8th and 9th, 2017. Registration is ongoing between 9 AM and 2 PM, and 4 PM until 7 PM, on both days.
For more information about registration, call 910-879-5500, or visit the website at www.bladencc.edu. To discuss the Career and College Transfer Pathway for high school students, contact Cierra Griffin at 910-879-5570.
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