High School dual credit/enrollment programs have been around since 1959, and while students have had the opportunity to take college courses while in high school there are some students who miss this opportunity.  According to a Policy Brief dual credit/enrollment programs continue to gain popularity, but some students still have a hard time with college access and completion. Dual Credit Consultation Services (DCCS) works to get the message to students who don't see how to make their career dreams become a reality.

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     DCCS understands there are several students attending high school classes every day and are academically strong but need help getting started down the path.  High Schools often look for ways to challenge these students in a variety of ways to keep them engaged and motivated.  

The problem is lack of knowledge, information and access to college courses for some high school students. This means these students miss out on opportunities to get a jump on college courses and save their parents and guardians thousands of dollars during the first semester of their freshman year. The problem makes these students believe they are not college material.

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     Since 2012, Dr. Carla Mebane   has been working in the field of higher education especially with dual credit/enrollment programs.  Dr. Mebane’s enrollment numbers grew substantially during her tenure at a local Midwest University and determined there is a gap with some students receiving the knowledge to access college credit while in high school.

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     Dr. Mebane, and DCCS address the problem by working directly with students and their families alongside high school counselors.  We found this approach is impactful and effective because we involve those whose vision/dreams are those we are trying to bring to life - students and parents.  Many students know the career they seek, but do not know the path to get there. The simple strategy is to enable students who are academically advanced, the opportunity to learn and earn college courses offered in their high school.  The emotional impact of the plan is to save money, shorten time in college and above all hope and opportunity.  If we don’t implement the plan, these students may not be able to take full advantage of the many benefits of starting college early.