Dual Enrollment Offers Windber Students Academic and Financial Advantages
At Windber Area School District, we are committed to providing our students with opportunities to excel academically while preparing them for future success. One of the key ways we are doing this is through dual enrollment programs, which allow students to take college courses while still in high school. This not only enhances their academic experience but also provides significant financial benefits for families.
This year, 86 of our students are taking advantage of dual enrollment opportunities through partnerships with Penn Highlands, St. Francis University, and Allegheny College of Maryland. Let's take a closer look at how these programs are benefiting our students.
Penn Highlands Community College
We are proud to have 46 students enrolled in 10 courses at Penn Highlands, for a total of 233 credits. These courses are spread over both the full academic year and the fall semester alone. In addition to the obvious academic benefits of taking college-level courses, many students are receiving significant financial support thanks to a grant from the Somerset County Commissioners. This grant paid for 130 credits, which were distributed evenly among all participating students, allowing each student to take one free 3-credit course. Seniors, who are nearing the transition to college, were awarded an additional 3 credits to help them get ahead. For students enrolled in science courses that require labs, the associated 1-credit lab courses were also covered, further easing the financial burden.
St. Francis University
Through our partnership with St. Francis University, 34 students are enrolled in 6 different courses, collectively earning another 233 credits this year. Thanks to a grant awarded to the school, each student was given a $100 scholarship to offset the cost of these courses. With credits priced at $65 each, these scholarships significantly reduce the overall cost of a 3-credit course, making dual enrollment at St. Francis more accessible to our students.
Allegheny College of Maryland
Six students are enrolled in a psychology course at Allegheny College of Maryland, with the full cost of the program being generously covered by Somerset Trust. This level of financial support allows students to explore college-level psychology without worrying about the financial strain, further enhancing their readiness for college academics.
Why Dual Enrollment Matters
The benefits of dual enrollment are clear. From an academic standpoint, students who participate in these programs gain early exposure to college-level coursework, which helps them develop the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in higher education. Dual enrollment students often report feeling more prepared for the challenges of college because they have already navigated its expectations while still supported by the high school environment.
From a financial perspective, dual enrollment can lead to substantial cost savings. By earning college credits while in high school, students can reduce the number of credits they need to complete once they formally enroll in college, potentially shortening the time and money required to earn a degree. For many families, this can translate into thousands of dollars in savings on tuition, fees, and other related expenses.
Encouraging Excellence
At Windber, we continue to push our students to excel by offering robust support for those interested in dual enrollment. Our goal is to make these opportunities available to as many students as possible, easing the financial barriers and fostering a culture of academic ambition. By collaborating with local colleges and universities, and securing grants and scholarships, we are making sure that our students are not only prepared for the future but are thriving in the present.
We are excited to see how these students will continue to grow and succeed, both in their academic careers and beyond!