(9/13) Frederick County high school students will soon have a unique opportunity to earn their high school diploma and an associate degree simultaneously through a new partnership between Frederick Community College (FCC) and Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS).

The program, called Early College, was created to increase participation and completion of students from populations historically underrepresented in higher education, and is open to all FCPS high school students. Students in the program will attend FCC full-time during their junior and senior years.

This new program will enhance the current Dual Enrollment offerings at FCC, which are Open Campus and High School Based.

As full-time undergraduate students, Early College students will follow the FCC academic calendar and have the option to take day, evening, online, and weekend courses. Early College students receive a discounted tuition rate at FCC.

"By partnering with FCPS to offer the Early College program, we are breaking new ground when it comes to educational opportunities available to students in Frederick County," said FCC President Elizabeth Burmaster. "Not only can students complete their associate degree by the time they finish high school, they can do so at a discounted rate, affording them the opportunity to enter the workforce sooner and with less college debt."

The program will be offered beginning in fall 2020 for students who are sophomores during the 2019-2020 school year.

"FCPS is committed to providing a variety of pathways for high school students to become career and college ready," said Dr. Theresa Alban, FCPS Superintendent. "The collaboration with FCC has already created many opportunities for our students. I am delighted to see the launch of yet another option to support our students."

FCC is hosting three Early College Information Nights this fall, starting on Tuesday, September 17. Other session dates are October 17 and November 13. All sessions will run from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. in H111, located on the first floor of the Student Center.

Early College admission applications will be due in spring 2020. Students who apply will be scheduled for an interview by Early College staff at their high school as part of the application process. Enrollment for fall 2020 (graduation class of 2022) may be limited, based on capacity of Early College staff. All students who meet the qualifications outlined here under "Early College" are welcome to apply.

For more information about Early College at FCC, click here and select the "Early College" tab.

If you have questions about the program, you can contact the Dual Enrollment Office at 301.624.2893 or DualEnrollment@frederick.edu