Success Stories
Opportunity
Knocks for High School Students
by Delna Coe
 |
Jake
De Pew studies an industrial engineering problem. The class earns
him both high school and college credit through Lane’s College
Now program. |
Jake De Pew graduated from Willamette High School with 15 college credits under his belt. He earned them through the College Now program offered by Lane Community College.
College Now gives high school students the opportunity to earn college credit for classes taught by their own teachers who have been approved by Lane and who use college course outlines and textbooks. The classes also satisfy high school graduation requirements.
De Pew took classes which helped him achieve his Certificate of Advanced Mastery in industrial engineering. "When I was able to see how things worked and began designing projects, I knew that this was the area I wanted for my future," he says. "I enrolled in a summer work experience class at LCC through their Cooperative Education department and got a job at Mill Sprocket and Machine Company. I'm currently working there and applying the skills I learned in high school to earn money to help me get my degree."
Keith Miller
is another student who has benefited from the College Now program. Keith
officially graduates from Thurston High School in June 2003 with 25 College
Now credits applicable to a transfer degree at Lane. He’s already
enrolled at Lane. "Drafting was the only elective available that
I could enjoy and apply my drawing skills,” says Miller. “During
my second and third year of drafting, I was able to work with the Springfield
fire marshal with some of his map pages and fire investigation plans that
he gets from fire scenes. As my drafting project, Mr. Proden let me take
the designs of the Springfield Fire Station at 28th and Centennial and
make a model of it. I am now designing my own houses just for fun!"
Craig Jorgenson and Dean Nussbaum, assistant principals at Willamette
High School, agree that professional technical programs provide an opportunity
for students to get college credits while still in high school and to
experience subjects that are not always available in other schools. “Professional-technical
courses motivate students and give them a hands-on reason for coming to
school,” says Nussbaum. Jorgensen explains that, “Sometimes
students lose their focus or their enthusiasm for school but will regain
that enthusiasm because they find a niche. Our teachers mentor and encourage
them not only to do well in P/T classes but in other subjects as well.”
College Now is offered in 18 Lane County high schools. Students pay $20 per year for academic transfer classes, and $20 peryear for professional-technical classes, for unlimited credits in each category. In 2001-02, 1,444 Lane County high school students participated in the College Now Program and saved $448,000 in college tuition.
Judith Gabriel, College Now coordinator, says, "When students enroll in College Now courses they gain several benefits. They earn college credits for courses they do not have to repeat when they reach college, save themselves and their families time and money, and have the opportunity to take classes taught using a college format. After graduation many students tell their high school teachers that they were better prepared for the level of difficulty in college by taking College Now courses."
College Now offers experience, knowledge and inexpensive college credits. Academic transfer classes for high school juniors and seniors include math, science, history, and English. A minimum grade of C is required for most classes. Professional technical classes are open to grades 9-12 and include business, early childhood education, drafting, welding, hospitality and tourism courses. A grade of A or B must be earned for college credit in professional technical College Now courses. The courses offered vary from school to school.
Kristin Gunson, Lane ESD coordinator for the federal Carl Perkins Grant, says, "The College Now program, sometimes called tech prep, is a win-win for students, parents and LCC. Students receive college credit in high school and avoid duplication of courses. Parents save money on tuition, and LCC gets students who are better prepared for their college program. Truly a win-win!"
The Perkins Grant supports professional technical programs in high schools and community colleges by funding field trips for students, classroom materials and equipment, conferences for teachers, and workshops to provide the best possible opportunities for high school students and staff.
College Now credits transfer to most two-year and four-year colleges and universities and most of the classes may apply towards a college degree. Students also use the skills learned in professional technical high school classes to obtain employment and earn money to finance additional professional goals. However the credits are used, College Now credits represent a jump start for students on the road to successful employment or higher education.
