College NOW!
Introduction
Students and families have a remarkable opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school, a chance that can significantly save both time and money while paving the way for future academic success. By taking advantage of this early college credit, students not only get a head start on their higher education journey but also gain a competitive edge in their college applications.
Champaign Unit 4 School District is committed to offering a variety of early college programs designed to help students earn college credits before graduation. These opportunities allow high school students to engage in college-level coursework and earn credits that can be applied towards a college degree. By participating in these programs, students can accelerate their academic progress, potentially graduate from college earlier, and reduce the overall cost of their higher education.
More Reasons Why!
Benefits of early college credit:
Head Start on College: Allows students to skip some introductory courses.
Demonstrates Academic Preparedness: Indicates readiness for higher education.
Exhibits Ambition and Motivation: Reflects a proactive approach to education.
Potential Cost Savings: Helps students save money on future tuition fees.
Offers Career Exploration and Preparation, as well as various other benefits.
College Credit Opportunities
Advanced Placement (AP)
CollegeBoard offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which are rigorous college-level classes high school students take. These courses challenge students with material similar to those in introductory college courses.
Benefits of AP Courses:
College Credit: Earning a qualifying score on the AP exam can earn you college credit, potentially saving you time and money on your higher education.
Academic Challenge: AP courses provide a more demanding and engaging learning experience, pushing you to think critically, analyze information, and develop advanced skills.
College Admissions Advantage: A strong AP record demonstrates your academic preparedness and commitment to challenging coursework, enhancing your college applications.
Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment
Dual credit courses offer a unique opportunity for high school students to earn college credit while attending regular high school classes. Unlike Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which award credit based on an exam, dual enrollment courses award credit as long as the student passes the course. Unit 4 teachers teach most dual credit courses at high school, except for ECCA courses, which are taught by Parkland College instructors on their campus. Early College and Career Academy Credits earned in dual credit courses are typically transferable to other colleges and universities.
Benefits of Dual Credit Courses:
Jump Start on College: Earn college credit that can be applied towards your degree, saving time and money.
Academic Challenge: Engage in rigorous coursework that prepares you for the academic demands of college.
Career Exploration: Many dual credit programs offer courses in career-related fields, allowing you to explore your interests and gain valuable skills.
Cost-Effective: Dual credit courses can be a more affordable way to earn college credit compared to taking courses after graduation.
ECCA
ECCA (Early College & Career Academy) is a program for high school juniors and seniors to earn dual credit (college and high school), while gaining skills in different Parkland College programs. ECCA courses are taken at Parkland College. Each program allows students to earn between 10 – 14 Parkland College credits per school year.