High school students who attend a Frederick County public school will soon have a unique opportunity to earn a diploma and an associate degree simultaneously through a new partnership with Frederick Community College (FCC). The program, called Early College, is a dual-enrollment opportunity for high school students.
It offers an opportunity for students, including students from groups historically underrepresented in higher education, to reduce college expenses. Current sophomores, 10th graders in the 2019-2020 school year, must apply by spring 2020 for Early College, opening in fall 2020.
Those accepted will attend FCC full-time during their junior and senior high school years as full-time undergraduate students. They will follow the FCC academic calendar, with options to take day, evening, online, and weekend courses. They may participate in extracurricular programs at FCPS and FCC, except on FCC athletic teams. Early College students will receive a discounted tuition rate at FCC.
“By partnering with FCPS to offer the Early College program, we are breaking new ground when it comes to educational opportunities available to students in Frederick County,” said FCC President Elizabeth Burmaster. “Not only can students complete their associate degree by the time they finish high school, they can do so at a discounted rate, affording them the opportunity to enter the workforce sooner and with less college debt.”
“FCPS is committed to providing a variety of pathways for high school students to become career and college ready,” said Dr. Theresa Alban, FCPS Superintendent. “The collaboration with FCC has already created many opportunities for our students. I am delighted to see the launch of yet another option to support our students."
Enrollment for fall 2020 (the class of 2022) may be limited. Details about Early College are online at www.frederick.edu/admissions/dual-enrollment.aspx. All students who meet the qualifications outlined there are welcome to apply. For more information, please contact the Dual Enrollment Office at 301-624-2893 or email DualEnrollment@frederick.edu