Springboard to Higher Ed: More Students Are Taking Community-College Courses While in High School

Caroline Porter:

Nicole Perez spends her school days at a local high school here, but when the 17-year-old senior steps into English class she is dipping her toes into college.

Ms. Perez is one of a growing number of students taking community-college courses at their high schools. These "dual-enrollment" classes are a low- or no-cost way for students to gain college credits, helping smooth their way to a college degree.

"It's a little more work, but I actually like that," said Ms. Perez, who hopes the credits will save her time and money next year, when she plans to attend a four-year university.

The growing cost of college, rising student debt and a weak economy have prompted a rethinking of the role of community colleges. In 2009, President Barack Obama made community colleges a big part of his plan to return the U.S. to its perch as the nation with the most higher-education degrees per capita by 2020.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at December 25, 2012 4:52 AM
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