Piedmont Community College’s (PCC) Career and College Promise program offers high school students the opportunity to take PCC classes tuition free. Student from both Person and Caswell Counties are taking advantage of these college classes and families are benefiting from the cost savings.
“During the 2018-19 academic year, students in PCC’s service areas have earned over 4,000 college credits and saved over $278,000 in tuition costs alone,” comments Barbara Buchanan, Vice President, Instruction and Chief Academic Officer. “In fact, not only did students save by taking these classes while in high school, but if they enrolled in these same courses at a 4-year institution in North Carolina, the student would have spent triple this amount, based on the average tuition rate.”
So what can a student enroll in while still in high school? PCC offers two Pathways:
• College Transfer Pathway (CTP): benefiting students interested in transferring to a 4-Year Institution
• Career Technical Education Pathway (CTE): facilitating those interested in joining the workforce
To ensure students are not limited as they explore career and course options, they are given the opportunity to choose two pathways: one College Transfer Pathway and one Career Technical Education Pathway or two Career Technical Education Pathways.
College Transfer Pathway
Beginning in Fall 2019, the student must be considered a high school junior or senior and have a 2.8 or higher high school GPA for direct placement in the Transfer Pathway. Students with an unweighted GPA lower than 2.8 may be eligible based on their scores on approved diagnostic assessment tests on English, Reading, and Math such as PSAT, SAT, Pre-ACT or ACT.
Students selecting this pathway can choose to take classes within either:
• Associates in Arts
• Associates in Science
• Associate in General Education – Nursing
If a student receives a ‘C’ grade or higher in the college pathway classes, the credit will transfer to any of the 16 North Carolina Public Universities, as well as several private institutions, making this an ideal option for students interested in transferring.
“Students enrolled in PCC’s English 112 course are also enrolled in up to three additional college classes this Spring,” shared instructor Lynn Ward. “Some of the most popular transfer courses other than English include Public Speaking, Sociology, Biology, Pre-Calculus, Psychology, and Art Appreciation.”
Career Technical Education Pathway
Students interested in learning a trade and entering the workforce can expand their knowledge and training with free courses at PCC while in high school, as well. To participate, students must be considered a high school junior or senior and have a 3.0 GPA (or be otherwise recommended by a high school principal). Programs include:
• Welding
• Cosmetology
• Digital Effects and Animation Technology
• Medical Assisting
• Early Childhood
• Criminal Justice
These hands-on curriculums provide instruction and experience, allowing students to gain skills that will benefit them when they begin work.
Short-Term Training and National Credentials
Students interested in short-term training can earn a national credential after one semester through PCC’s Certified Logistics Technician training which includes OSHA Forklift and OSHA 10 course work. Local industries are hiring individuals as they earn their credentials and this is a new opportunity for high school students.
Why Should You Consider the CCP Program?
• Save Money: CCP courses are tuition free!!!
• Earn College Credit: All 16 public universities in North Carolina, as well as several private colleges, accept transfer credits from NC Community Colleges
• Earn Credentials: Students can earn National and State Credentials/Certificates that local (and national) businesses/industries desire when hiring
• Gain Hands-on Knowledge: Learn by doing, in and out of the classroom
• Enjoy a Personalized Experience: PCC instructors are interested in your success and are willing to assist you, one-on-one.
• Prepare for College-Level Classes Close to Home: Enjoy the convenience of earning college credit in your hometown while still enrolled in high school
For additional information about PCC’s Career and College Promise program, visit www.piedmontcc.edu/ccp or contact Walter Montgomery at (336) 322-2258 or Walter.Montgomery@piedmontcc.edu in Person County or Katrina L. Madden at (336) 694-4591 or katrina.madden@piedmontcc.edu in Caswell County.
Photo: Students enrolled in PCC’s English 112 course with instructor Lynn Ward plan to transfer to 4-year intuitions after having completed 4-8 classes per academic year at PCC, which saved their families thousands of dollars in tuition.
Front Row: Anna Carol Masten (PHS) will attend Meredith College; Jenna Scott (RCS) will attend East Carolina University; Magen Elliott (PHS) will attend UNC-Chapel Hill; Luke Clayton (PHS) will attend UNC-Chapel Hill;
Back Row: Levon Rouson (PHS) will attend North Carolina A&T; Grayson Cothran (PHS) will attend NC State University; Delaine Phelps (PHS) will attend UNC-Greensboro; Caleb Powell (RCS) will attend The Citadel
Recent Comments