April 27, 2007
High School Students Plan for Concurrent Enrollment

Juniors and seniors at area high schools are getting a jump start on their college education thanks to the concurrent enrollment program at Oklahoma City Community College.

"Concurrent enrollment enables eligible upperclassmen to not only earn college credits that count toward their degrees, it also gets the high school students used to college life," says Gloria Barton, OCCC Dean of Admissions. "Many first-year students drop out of college because they weren't prepared for the difference in education.

This year, college-bound juniors and seniors can begin earning college credits tuition-free starting in the summer. This means that eligible juniors have the possibility of earning their associate's degree at the same time they receive their high school diploma.

"This partnership is a wonderful opportunity for our students," says Dr. Mike Maples, Principal of Oklahoma City's Southeast High School. "The students who participate in concurrent enrollment are very successful in their college careers."

Maples adds that high school juniors and seniors preparing their schedules for the upcoming 2007-08 school year need to make plans to include concurrent enrollment classes. Summer and fall enrollment is already underway at OCCC.

Concurrent courses offered at OCCC include classes in all subject areas including the required English, history and mathematics.

"Many students feel that college classes like these are only available to the students with the best grades in high school, but in actuality, many students are eligible to receive college credit while in high school," Barton added.

High school students who are interested in concurrent enrollment courses should contact their schools' guidance counselors. They may also go on-line at Oklahoma City Community College .