Elgin Community College has a simple and inexpensive Dual Credit program for high school students in local school districts D300, D301 and D303.

The tuition-free program allows qualifying students to begin working towards their college degree before they graduate high school.

According to Rodrigo Lopez, director of high school partnerships and transitions, the students must meet the college prerequisites for their program of study and demonstrate a high level of responsibility and commitment, as well as be recommended by their high school.

ECC offers three unique programs that high school students can apply for during their junior and/or senior year, Accelerate College, Middle College and Tech Prep programs.

Accelerate College is the full-time Dual Credit program at ECC. For this program, students will be enrolled in four to five general education courses fall and spring semester of their senior year in high school. Students have the ability to earn a total of 30 transferable credits.  

With Accelerate College, students are fully integrated into the college atmosphere and provided with the guidance and support to successfully complete their first year of post-secondary education. The courses offered are usually in line with either an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree, according to Lopez.

The second program is Middle College, ECC’s part-time Dual Credit program. With Middle College,  students are enrolled in one to two general education courses during the  fall and spring semesters and are able to earn 12 transferable credits. According to Lopez, these classes usually take place during weekdays in the afternoon at ECC. In this program, students can complete college-level courses in psychology, sociology, humanities, calculus, English, and foreign languages.

Career-Technical Education (Tech Prep) is the third Dual Credit program and is also part-time. According to Lopez,  students that are enrolled in specific Career-Technical Education programs (i.e. Automotive, Basic Nursing Assistant, Criminal Justice, etc.) and complete 2-3 courses fall and spring semesters can earn a total of 15 credits and earn certifications if applicable.

The benefits for starting community college a little early are undeniable. For students who qualify for the program, their tuition is paid for by their school district and the credits they earn are transferable.

According to Lopez, their experience in the Dual Credit program also provides the following benefits: facilitates the transition to college, reduces the cost of a college education,  reduces the time needed to complete a degree program, reduces high school drop-out rates,   prepares students for college work, reduces remediation and raises student motivation and aspiration.

Currently, there are a total number of 293 applicants for  Academic Year 2016-17 for all three programs. The Middle College and Career Technical Education programs have the highest enrollment

ECC also offers “Welcome Wednesdays” where anyone who wants to apply can visit the campus and learn about different classes and programs. According to ECC’s official website, the next Welcome Wednesday is Jan. 4  from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in building B, room B175.