High School Student Earns Tuition-Free College Credit
Aeysa Jones
“I decided to enroll in the Career and College Promise (CCP) program because I wanted to take advantage of taking college courses while in high school,” Aesya Jones said. “I feel more confident about attending a four-year college now.”
Jones is dually enrolled at Northern Nash High School and Nash Community College. She will enter a university this fall with more than 40 transferrable semester hours earned at no cost.
Through Career and College Promise, high school juniors and seniors can earn college credits and employment credentials tuition-free. In the program, students take courses in pathways leading to a certificate, diploma, degree, or state or industry-recognized credential.
“I am glad that I enrolled in the CCP program because it prepared me for what to expect in college. I have professors at Nash who challenge me and encourage me to think outside of the box,” Jones said.
For students interested in challenging themselves academically while also having the opportunity to obtain college credit, the Career and College Promise program at NCC can offer more options than a traditional path from high school into a university or career.
“The best part about being a CCP student is being a college student. As a college student, I was given many responsibilities and I was in charge of my learning. Professors did not coddle me but I was responsible for my grades and the experiences I gained from the classes. I was treated as an adult and not as a kid.”
Career & College Promise pathways offer students rigorous and relevant coursework designed to engage their interests and help them achieve educational and career goals. The courses students take as part of a pathway align closely with the level of work that will be expected in technical careers and post-secondary education.
“I don’t feel intimidated asking my professors for help,” Jones said. “I have learned they are a great resource in helping me understand assignments. Prior to attending NCC, I expected teachers to reach out to me if I needed help. However, through this program, I learned that in order to be successful, I needed to take initiative. I will continue to take initiative in the future.”
Having earned straight As so far, Jones plans to graduate from high school this academic year with transferrable college credits. She has not decided on a university yet but knows she wants to double major in Japanese Studies and Accounting.
“In five years, I plan to have graduated from college with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Accounting and a bachelor’s in Japanese Studies,” she said. “I hope to be living abroad in Japan.”
In addition to the college transfer pathway, Career and College Promise students may also choose from Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways earning a credential, certificate or diploma in preparation for a technical career.
Nash Community College’s Career and College Promise Program is offered through a partnership with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, N.C. Community Colleges, the University of North Carolina System and independent colleges and universities.
“My 10-year goal is to have lived abroad for a few years,” Jones continued. “Not only in Japan but also in other countries. I would like to have mastered another language. I want to be living life to the fullest traveling and experiencing new cultures, people, and languages. I want to love my job. I want to live an extraordinary and adventurous life.”
If a student completes 24 credits at NCC, they will potentially have completed one year at a four-year college. That would save them roughly $8,000 to $10,000 in tuition at a public university. The Career and College Promise Program could save a student $30,000 to $32,000 in tuition at a private four-year institution.
For more information, visit www.nashcc.edu/ccp, or students may reach out to their high school counselor or contact Dr. Mindi Collins at 252-451-8473 or mocollins197@nashcc.edu.
