High School Students Earn College Credit at No Cost
Nash Community College (NCC) has quickly become a “first choice” destination for area high school students and graduates. Did you know Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools high school students take college classes at NCC through the Career and College Promise program?
The Career & College Promise program allows motivated high school juniors and seniors to get a head start on college and career training. Eligible high school students can prepare at NCC for life after high school at no cost tuition during their fall and spring semesters. Whether students are planning to transfer to a university or prepare for a technical career after high school, the Career and College Promise program offers pathways for them to meet their college goals.
With the Cooperative Innovative High School (Early College) Pathway, students may earn a high school diploma and up to two years of college credit within five years while enrolled in the Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools Early College located on Nash Community College’s campus. This is an ideal path for rising ninth graders seeking a non-traditional high school experience. Last year the “Super Seniors” earned over $2.4 million in transfer scholarships.
For individuals who wish to remain enrolled at their high school location and want to obtain college credit during high school, the College Transfer Pathway is an option. Students who aspire for transfer to a four-year university can select this pathway and complete some core general education classes required during the first two years of a four-year degree while attending their high school. The freshman and sophomore level courses introduce students to areas of study that contribute to balanced development including: courses in communication, humanities and fine arts, mathematics, science, social sciences, physical education and elective courses in liberal arts. With a grade of C or higher, the coursework may transfer to a university. After successful completion of the degree requirements, NCC College Transfer students have realized a savings and are usually admitted to their first choice college.
A Career Technical Education Pathway provides high school students in a career cluster program an opportunity to enroll in Nash Community College career certificate or diploma programs that align with their high school program. Students who choose this pathway often have the opportunity for internships with local industry partners, better aligning them for careers following graduation. This pathway option can be completed at the high school location.
On Tuesday, October 20th from 5:30-7:00pm, students and parents will have an opportunity to visit Nash Community College and see its programs and offerings in action at the College’s largest open house of the year, the Career and Technical Education Showcase, in partnership with Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools.
Nash Community College aims to provide an affordable educational environment which prepares students for college transfer and rewarding careers. Just recently, the North Carolina Community College System and North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities signed a revised Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (ICAA) between the two systems. Nash Community College President, Dr. Bill Carver, attended the event held at William Peace University in support of the revised agreement. He was invited to attend the ceremony because of his longstanding commitment to supporting the ease of transfer for community college students who successfully meet the requirements for entry into four-year universities and colleges. “My position has always been that leaders in higher education should work to remove barriers to education and provide a seamless transition for students who work hard and demonstrate their commitment and academic achievement in pursuit of transfer studies,” Dr. Bill Carver said.
Under the revised ICAA, students’ options for transferring between community colleges and the independent institutions that adopt the agreement will be more defined and easier to follow, providing a clearer pathway to educational achievement.
Nash Community College also offers Degree Completion options allowing NCC graduates to transfer to N.C. Wesleyan College, East Carolina University or North Carolina State University with lower tuition. If success after high school, small class size and affordability are priorities for students, Nash Community College is the first choice. For more information visit www.nashcc.edu/ccp or call 252-451-8244.
