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FCC Celebrates First Class of High School Students to Earn College Degree
05/16/2022
Frederick Community College will soon celebrate the first graduating class of its Early College program, which allows students to earn a college degree while still in high school.

“Early College provides highly motivated students from FCPS to access college courses and credentials so they can jumpstart their postsecondary plans,” said Beth Duffy, FCC Executive Director of Dual Enrollment.   “These are students from many different backgrounds who know what their goals are for the future and don’t want to wait until after high school to start working toward them. Their work ethic and dedication to their education and future is impressive, especially given their young age. We are grateful that FCC and FCPS are able to provide a program that helps them reach their goals.”

The program began at FCC in fall 2020 through a partnership with Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS).  High school students apply during their sophomore year and, if accepted, attend FCC full-time during their junior and senior years of high school. Through the program, students earn their high school diploma and associate degree simultaneously.

The inaugural Early College graduating class is comprised of 15 students from eight Frederick County high schools. Students in the program are earning degrees in a variety of majors, including:
  • Biology
  • Business Administration
  • Computer Science
  • Criminal Justice
  • Culinary Arts & Supervision
  • History
  • Pre-Health Professions
  • Psychology
  • STEM
Many students are headed to a four-year college or university after their time at FCC, including:
  • Columbia University
  • Salisbury University
  • Shippensburg University
  • St. Mary’s College
  • Towson University
  • University of Maryland, College Park
  • Warren Wilson College
Other students are entering the workforce, including one who is starting a bakery.

The students will be recognized during the College-wide Commencement celebration on May 19, starting at 2:30 p.m. in the Student Center.

In addition to this graduating class, there are 25 students who are nearing completion of the first year of the program and are expected to graduate next year. The program encourages and seeks out completion and participation of underrepresented groups in higher education.

Early College is the newest dual enrollment program at FCC, which for decades has provided high school students the opportunity to earn college credit at a discounted tuition rate. Students are able to take college courses at FCC or at their home high school during their regular school day. Students receive a discounted tuition rate or attend tuition-free if they qualify for the free and reduced-price meals (FARM) program. This semester, 1,472 FCPS students are earning college credit through an FCC dual enrollment program.   

More information on Early College and other dual enrollment opportunities at FCC can be found on the FCC Dual Enrollment webpage.

 

 

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