A groundbreaking partnership between a Kane County high school and a Kane County community college will make it possible for students to earn college credits — at no tuition charge — while they’re still in high school.

District 300 announced the new partnership with Elgin Community College that will provide qualified high school seniors the opportunity to enroll at ECC full-time and earn up to 32 college credit hours, tuition free.

The Accelerate College Dual Credit Program provides District 300 students the ability to take up to a full-year of college classes that lead toward a two-year associates degree (24 to 32 hours of a 60 hour program).  Degree options include an Associate of Applied Sciences, an Associate of Arts, or an Associate of Science.

District 300 students interested in the Accelerate College Dual Credit Program must meet ECC’s admission requirements, pass ECC’s placement tests in reading, writing and math, and participate in summer orientation activities. Students will also be responsible for their own transportation and the purchase of course books.

Most classes will be held between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, students will attend a study hall at their respective high school, where they will have dedicated time with a counselor to ensure they are progressing successfully through ECC’s courses and to attend special college-related seminars.

Students involved in extra-curricular activities are encouraged to meet with their counselors to coordinate their course schedules accordingly.

The Accelerate College Dual Credit Program is a real jumpstart on a college education. Students seeking a two-year degree would essentially have half of their coursework complete by the end of their senior year. Students seeking to transition to a university could complete nearly all their freshman credits before taking a class on a university campus.

With Illinois public university tuitions ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 annually, the Accelerate College Dual Credit Program offers families a tremendous cost savings opportunity.

Students who are interested in the Accelerate College Dual Credit Program should speak to their high school counselor for additional information.

SOURCE: The information above was gathered from a District 300 press release.

Articulated Courses for District 300

Participating high schools: Dundee-Crown, Jacobs and Hampshire

The high school student takes a high school course(s) that is/are the equivalent of an Elgin Community College course and that meets the Elgin Community College course’s learning objectives and/or task competencies.

• Enroll at ECC in a degree-seeking program in the fall semester following graduation or later, within 27 months. How to apply»
• The high school student completes the articulated high school course or course sequence with a final grade average of “B” or better each semester.
• The high school graduate is entitled to ECC college credit and to advanced placement at Elgin Community College and is able to enter the Elgin Community College course for which the articulated-credit course is the prerequisite.

View Articulated Courses for District 300»

SOURCE: Elgin Community College website