Early College: Get Ahead with an Advance Start

 

Early College Cybersecurity is designed for students who want to pursue careers in cybersecurity. Courses will be offered at the Applications and Research Lab (ARL) and Howard Community College. Students from every Howard County High School can enroll in Early College Cybersecurity. 

 

Early College STEM is designed for Oakland Mills High School students interested in pursuing careers in the sciences, mathematics, or science and math education. Courses will be offered at Oakland Mills High School and Howard Community College. 

 

 

Families will need to pay for the cost of college courses. While students are taking courses at HCC and still enrolled in high school, they are eligible for reduced tuition. In addition, there are greater cost reductions for families who qualify for tuition assistance.

 

 

 

Students will take high school classes during their 9th and 10th grade years, but they will be engaged in college prep activities and will be introduced to their Early College learning cohort. In the 11th grade, students will begin taking a few college courses alongside their high school courses. These college-level courses will be taught by Howard Community College professors at the high schools participating in the Early College program.  For 12th grade, students will take nearly all of their courses at Howard Community College. College credit will be earned for all college-level courses.

 

 

Students will be able to participate in athletics and other after-school activities for all four years of high school. When they attend Howard Community College in their senior year, they will be bused from their respective high school to and from HCC

 

 

Yes. Howard Community College offers dual enrollment and early entrance programs for high school students. These programs allow students to take a limited number of college credit courses while still in high school. If Early College is not a good match, students may want to consider these other opportunities to earn college credit.

 

 

College credits earned at HCC will transfer to Maryland public four-year colleges and universities and most private colleges. Credits will likely transfer to out-of-state schools, but it depends on the institution. 

 

What if the Early College program is too difficult for my student?

The Early College Program includes tutoring, study skill enhancement, educational enrichment activities, and summer and school-year support.  Student progress will be monitored, ensuring that HCPSS and HCC staff can intervene early if students are struggling.  All students will have assistance from a counselor, advisor, and mentor. If the program continues to be too challenging, students should withdraw from the program before their senior year to ensure they are able to take a regular senior schedule and graduate from high school on time.
 

What if my student does not want to attend HCC? 

While the Early College program encourages students to complete their associate degree, students can graduate from high school and choose instead to attend a four-year college or university. The 30 college credits earned at HCC may transfer to the four-year college or university, depending on the new academic program that the student selects to study. The credits will have to be reviewed by an advisor at the transfer institution.

Howard Community College recommends students complete their associate degree because the 60 credits earned at Howard Community College will typically fulfill the introductory coursework or first two years of bachelor’s degree programs at Maryland public four-year colleges and universities. Students who develop a transfer plan with their transfer advisor will typically have all 60 credits go toward the 120 credits needed for a bachelor’s degree. In addition, the associate degree will make students competitive for careers requiring a college degree.