Oct 4, 2012

This year, 817 students are enrolled in COM’s Dual Credit Program, the largest number in the program’s 13-year history. The Dual Credit Program allows students to take college courses—and earn college credit—while still in high school.
 
“The rising cost of higher education is motivating parents to find ways to reduce that cost,” said Theresa Jones, director of COM Dual Credit and Testing Services. “It’s an opportunity for students to complete a college class and to satisfy the high school requirement at the same time.”
 
The program allows high school students to save time and money by completing up to 24 college credits at a reduced cost while in high school. Jones is seeking to continue the program’s expansion.
 
“We’re excited with the growth of the Dual Credit Program and being able to serve students in our area,” said Jones. “We will continue to work with area independent school districts to continue our growth.”

The Dual Credit Program is open to high school juniors and seniors in the Texas City, La Marque, Dickinson, Hitchcock, Santa Fe, Clear Creek and Friendswood Independent School Districts. Students take courses at their home high school campus, COM’s main campus or the COM North County Learning Center in League City.
 
“It provides an opportunity for students in high school who might be first-generation college students to begin to experience success and move forward with their education,” said Jones. “It’s rewarding to see students, sometimes not confident of their ability, be successful in earning their associate degree and either transfer to a university to earn a bachelor’s degree or immediately enter a rewarding career.”

For more information about the Dual Credit Program, visit www.com.edu/dual-credit.