Frederick Community College is hosting two virtual information nights on its Early College program, which enables high school students to earn their high school degree and an associate degree simultaneously by attending FCC full time during their junior and senior years.
“This is an innovative new program and we thank Frederick County Public Schools for its partnership to make it happen,” said FCC President Elizabeth Burmaster. “We are proud to offer high school students – especially those in underrepresented groups – the opportunity to earn their associate degree, which will benefit those students in many ways.”
The virtual information nights will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20 and Thursday, November 19, 2020.
The Early College program is open to all Frederick County Public School (FCPS) sophomores. Similar to traditional full-time undergraduate students, Early College students follow the FCC academic calendar and have the option to take day, evening, online, and weekend courses.
“FCPS strives to ensure students are provided opportunities to excel in order to meet their personal career goals,” said FCPS Superintendent Dr. Theresa Alban. “Early College is an example of an accelerated opportunity for our students that grew out of our valuable partnership with FCC. I am delighted that we can offer this opportunity to FCPS students.”
Early College students receive a discounted tuition rate at FCC. Interested students go through an application and interview process during their sophomore year to prove they are college ready. Up to 25 students are accepted into the program each year.
Requiring students to be full-time at FCC, the Early College program offers a different experience than the current Dual Enrollment High School Based and Open Campus programs where students can take however many FCC courses they wish or as their schedule allows.
The Early College program encourages and seeks out completion and participation of underrepresented groups in higher education. This includes:
- students of color
- English as a second language speakers
- first-generation college students
- students with disabilities
- students who qualify for free and reduced meals
The Early College program was created collaboratively over the past two years between FCC and FCPS administrators and staff. The first cohort of the program began this fall with students from nine different Frederick County high schools.
“Early College at FCC is a unique opportunity for FCPS students that appeals to exceptionally motivated and ambitious students who see themselves ready for a full-time college experience," said Andrew McClain, FCC Dual Enrollment specialist. “Our Early College program differs from other Early or Middle College programs in the state because we offer almost all majors at FCC to Early College participants. With such a diverse county, I believe this to be a very appealing element of the program.”
To register for one of the virtual Early College Information Nights, click here. For more information, email [email protected].