Are you a high school student in Central Ohio looking to get a head start on college? You're in luck! There are a variety of early college programs available in the area that can help you jumpstart your college career. From career centers to universities, there are plenty of options for students to explore. Early college programs allow students to combine their high school studies with courses equivalent to college-level classes. This allows them to advance to a two- or four-year university two or four years after graduating.
These programs also prepare students for jobs in high-demand technical fields. Many partner universities offer college technical preparation scholarships for students who complete the high school and college entrance components. There are several Early College Experience (ECE) program options available, each focusing on a different area of specialization. Students can select based on their professional interests.
For example, Columbus State Community College partners with more than 40 high schools in the Central Ohio area to allow qualified young people to earn college credit while still in high school. They also offer Saturday morning art classes, which provide education in art and design to children from first grade through twelfth grade, and a pre-university art program. In addition, Columbus State offers free tuition programs for middle and final year high school students in more than 15 school districts in Central Ohio. These programs include job training, career programs, college preparation classes, GED classes, English as a second language training, and help finding work. After completing their studies, young adults can apply for an educational grant to repay eligible student loans and pay for current educational expenses at qualifying higher education institutions and training programs. The Early College Academy at the University of Miami allows students to graduate with a minimum of 62 hours of college credit and earn a degree in Arts and General Studies, with only two years left to complete a bachelor's degree.
Students in this program will have a strong impact in their community and beyond by participating, experiencing, and leading. Columbus State also offers multiple ways for high school students to earn college credit while they're still in high school, giving them a good head start and translating to substantial college savings. More Central Ohio high school seniors are starting college at Columbus State than at any other university. In addition to university courses, ECE students undertake final research projects and internships in collaboration with professionals in their fields of study. There is also a six-day leadership development experience for middle school seniors and seniors in central Ohio. Finally, there is a public service internship program that allows high school students in the last quarter of their final year to gain first-hand experience in organizations in the public service sector. There is also a summer program for young women in middle and high school to experience mathematics through engaging activities in a non-traditional environment.
So if you're looking for an early college program in Central Ohio, there are plenty of options available! From career centers to universities, there are plenty of opportunities for you to explore. With the right program, you can get ahead on your college career while still enjoying the benefits of being a high school student.
