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Students in Warren County may be eligible for accredited college courses -- but time is running out.
A grant obtained by the Warren County School District is allowing a partnership with Northern Pennsylvania Regional College to offer qualifying area high school students accredited college courses for free.
"During the second half of last school year, the Pennsylvania Department of Education introduced a grant that could potentially help increase student enrollment and interest in dual enrollment opportunities," according to WCSD Director of Curriculum Instruction and Assessment Eric Mineweaser. "After (District Coordinator of Grant and Foundation Development Matt) Jones and I crafted the grant application, we were informed months later that the district was awarded $75,000.00."
A portion of those funds is being used to help two WCSD teachers obtain master's degrees allowing them to teach college in the high school courses, according to MIneweaser. A portion is being used to fund student tuition for dual enrollment courses through the five higher education bodies the district has agreements in place with, including NPRC.
"One of the perks of taking classes from NPRC is that the credits earned are full 3-credit college credits that will transfer to other colleges," NPRC Director of Enrollment and Student Success Jennifer Cummings-Tutmaher said. "In some instances, if the particular class aligns with the school district's curriculum, the student may be able to simultaneously receive both high school and college credit for the classes."
To be eligible a student must have a GPA of 2.5 or greater..
The first step is simply enrolling in NPRC. Students need to complete a short online application and complete an early entry form signed by themselves, their parent or guardian and their guidance counselor.
"Students apply to the college (its free and quick, no essays), are assigned to a student engagement specialist (academic advisor) who helps them select the classes that will help them achieve their goals and they are off and running," Cummings-Tutmaher said.
The end of the enrollment period is fast approaching. Priority enrollment ends in less than a week on Wednesday, Aug. 9, but applications will be accepted through Friday, Aug. 11.
To apply, students should visit https://nprc.empower-xl.com/new/EMPOWER/authentication/applicationLogin.xhtml
How the program works in relation to normal high school course loads is flexible, she noted.
"Some are trying to take classes that count towards high school graduation and earn the college credit simultaneously and others simply want to be enrolled in both high school and college and keep them separate," Cummings-Tutmaher said. "The students would travel to and attend classes at our locations."
NPRC has three locations: Warren-Forest Hi-Ed, Corry Hi-Ed and Tidioute Community Charter School. Classes are held in the morning as well as later in the afternoon and evening.
Tuition is free for eligible students, however other costs – such as books and materials – are not covered by grant funds.
"However a large percentage of NPRC courses utilize free online textbooks contributing to the affordability of our courses," Cummings-Tutmaher noted.