College in the High School Programs: A Comprehensive Overview

College in the High School (CiHS) programs, also known as dual enrollment programs, offer a unique opportunity for high school students to earn college credit while still completing their high school graduation requirements. These programs provide numerous benefits, allowing students to get a head start on their college education, explore potential career paths, and save money on tuition.

What are College in the High School Programs?

Dual enrollment is the umbrella term for programs that allow students to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously. CiHS programs specifically provide college academic courses to high school students, typically in grades 9-12. These courses are taught at the high school, by high school teachers who are approved by the partnering college or university. The curriculum, textbooks, and overall oversight are provided by the college faculty and staff, ensuring the courses maintain the same rigor and standards as those taught on the college campus.

Benefits of Participating in CiHS Programs

CiHS programs offer a multitude of advantages for participating students:

Earning College Credit Early: Students can begin accumulating college credits while still in high school, potentially allowing them to graduate from college earlier or pursue a double major or minor.
Cost Savings: Many CiHS programs offer tuition-free or reduced-cost college courses, saving students and their families significant money on college expenses. In some cases, students may only need to pay for the final standardized exams to earn college credit.
Exposure to College-Level Work: CiHS courses provide students with an early experience of college-level coursework, helping them develop the skills and study habits necessary for success in higher education.
Increased College Readiness: By participating in CiHS programs, students ease the transition from high school to college, entering college already having earned course credit.
Exploration of Academic Interests: CiHS programs allow students to explore different academic subjects and potential career paths, helping them make informed decisions about their future education and career goals.
Improved Academic Performance: Research indicates that students who participate in dual enrollment programs demonstrate increased academic success, career prospects, and financial stability.

Program Structures and Variations

CiHS programs can vary in structure and delivery:

Course Location: Courses may be taught on the high school campus, on the college campus, or online, providing flexibility for students and schools.
Instruction: Courses are typically taught by high school teachers who have been approved and trained by the partnering college or university.
Credit Award: Students receive both college and high school credit for successfully completed courses, documented on their college and high school transcripts. The high school may count the CiHS course either as an elective or a required course.
Standardized Exams: Some programs award dual credit based on standardized exam scores. In these programs, students take rigorous high school courses and may take a standardized exam upon completion of the course. Colleges award varying levels of credit based on exam scores.

Examples of CiHS Programs and Initiatives

Across the United States, various states and institutions have implemented CiHS programs to promote college access and success:

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Massachusetts Commonwealth Dual Enrollment Partnership (CDEP): This program provides opportunities for Massachusetts high school students to take college-level courses for free or at a discounted price. CDEP eases the transition from high school to college and aims to increase the population of college-ready high school graduates.
Washington's Running Start Program: This program allows 11th and 12th-grade students to take college courses at Washington’s community and technical colleges and at select universities. Students pay no tuition for these courses.
Bellevue College in the High School Program (Washington): This program allows students in grades 9-12 to earn college credit while completing their graduation requirements without leaving their high school campus.
Seattle Vocational Institute (SVI) Bright Future Program (Washington): This award-winning dual-credit program for 11th and 12th graders allows students to enroll in allied health, business computers, pre-apprenticeship construction, or Cosmetology at SVI.
Maryland Dual Enrollment: Maryland high school students have dual enrollment opportunities in both academic and career-focused training fields and these courses are now tuition-free.

Eligibility and Enrollment

Eligibility criteria for CiHS programs vary depending on the specific program and institution. Generally, students must meet certain academic requirements, such as a minimum GPA or standardized test scores. Some programs may also have specific requirements related to grade level or course prerequisites.

Interested students should contact their high school counselor or the CiHS coordinator at their local college or university to learn more about eligibility requirements and the enrollment process. In Massachusetts, interested students and families are encouraged to coordinate with the CDEP coordinator at their public higher education institution of interest to arrange for student enrollment in courses offered on the college campus or online.

Considerations for Implementation and Success

For CiHS programs to be successful, several factors must be considered:

Partnerships between High Schools and Colleges: Strong partnerships between high schools and colleges are essential for ensuring the quality and alignment of CiHS courses. These partnerships should include clear agreements regarding curriculum, instruction, assessment, and credit transfer. Participating higher education institutions and high schools are responsible for establishing written agreements that ensure that high school students receive credit from both the college and high school for courses completed as part of CDEP.
Teacher Qualifications and Training: High school teachers who teach CiHS courses should possess the necessary qualifications and training to deliver college-level instruction. Colleges and universities should provide ongoing professional development opportunities for these teachers to ensure they stay current with best practices in their field.
Student Support Services: Students participating in CiHS programs should have access to the same support services as college students, such as academic advising, tutoring, and counseling.
Equity and Access: CiHS programs should be accessible to all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background or academic preparation. Targeted outreach and support efforts may be necessary to ensure that underrepresented students have the opportunity to participate in these programs. For low-income, underrepresented or first-to-college students, involvement with CDEP might be their first exposure to college or the first time they considered college as a possibility.
Course Equivalency and Transferability: It is crucial to ensure that CiHS courses are equivalent to those offered on the college campus and that credits earned through these programs are transferable to other institutions. In Massachusetts, CDEP courses are limited to those that would qualify under the MassTransfer Block, which are generally first- and second-year college courses that institutions regard as highly transferable.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Dual Credit

In addition to academic CiHS programs, many states and institutions offer dual credit opportunities in career and technical education (CTE) fields. CTE Dual Credit programs combine academics with technical skill development to prepare students for advanced education and professional careers. These programs are a joint effort between K-12 schools, community and technical colleges, and the business community. Courses are taught by high school teachers, at the high school.

The Launch Year Act

The Launch Year Act in Washington requires all public high schools to increase the number of dual credit courses offered to students.

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Funding and Scholarships

Funding for CiHS programs can come from a variety of sources, including state appropriations, institutional funds, and private donations. In some states, scholarships are available to help students cover the costs of tuition, fees, and textbooks. For example, in Washington, the Dual Enrollment Scholarship pilot program was established to provide financial assistance to eligible students enrolled in dual credit programs.

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