Nearly 1,100 students participating
RICHMOND, Ky. (Oct. 5, 2016) — About 1,100 students are participating in dual enrollment courses this year at Eastern Kentucky University, double the number from three years ago. The program allows area high school juniors and seniors to earn both high school and college credits.
“EKU’s Dual Credit Program is strategically designed to provide academically strong students an opportunity to earn both college and high school credit as they complete authentic college courses while in high school,” said Dr. Janna Vice, provost and senior vice president for academics at EKU. “Our Dual Credit students who then enroll as full-time students generally persist and graduate from EKU at very high rates.”
One reason for the increasing popularity is the commonwealth’s new Dual Credit Scholarship Program, which provides public high school seniors with two free courses per year. Students who qualify to participate in EKU’s Dual Credit Program, but who do not qualify for the university’s Dual Credit scholarships, may now use the state scholarships for free tuition. If state funds are plentiful, juniors can also take advantage of the opportunity.
In the past legislative session, the Kentucky General Assembly allocated $15 million for dual credit scholarships for the 2016-18 biennium through a program to be administered by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA). This fall, the scholarships were awarded to high school students through their local school districts, with seniors and then juniors receiving top priority. Eligible dual credit courses in the state program include general education courses and career and technical education courses in a state-approved pathway leading to an industry-recognized credential.
High schools currently participating in the EKU Dual Credit Program: Barbourville, Berea, Bourbon County, Boyle County, Buckhorn, Campbellsville, Christian Academy of Lawrenceburg, Clay County, Corbin, Danville, Danville Christian Academy, Estill County, Garrard County, George Rogers Clark, Jackson County, Knox Central, Lee County, Leslie County, Lincoln County, Lynn Camp, Madison Central, Madison Christian Academy, Madison Southern, Marion County, McCreary Central, Menifee County, Model Laboratory, Morgan County, Nelson County, North Laurel, Oneida Baptist Institute, Owsley County, Pulaski County, Pulaski Southwestern, Rockcastle County, South Floyd, South Laurel, Spencer County, Sphinx Academy, Wayne County, Western Hills, West Jessamine and Whitley County.
EKU offers dual credit courses on its campuses in Richmond, Danville, Corbin and Manchester, as well as online and, in some cases, at local high schools. All classes are taught by EKU faculty.
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