Early College Courses for Maine High School Students Available through University College at Rockland

Wed, 03/29/2017 - 5:30am

The University of Maine System High School Aspirations Program provides eligible Maine high school juniors and seniors with an opportunity to receive “dual credit”, academic credits toward a high school diploma plus an associate or baccalaureate-level college degree.

 The High School Aspirations Program is a great opportunity for high school students to get a first taste of college level academics and help them explore future degree options. Courses are available locally through University College at Rockland.

 According to the Director Deborah Meehan, “Typically, we have 50 to 60 high school students taking college courses with us each semester. They really enjoy the challenge and the change of environment.”

 The University of Maine System and the State of Maine designed the High School Aspirations Program to raise the educational aspirations of Maine students by offering them the opportunity to register for college courses tuition free. The University waives half the tuition for up to six credits per semester and the Department of Education waives the other half per semester.

 To qualify for the program, students must:

●       Be a high school junior or senior

●       Be a Maine resident

●       Have at least a “B” grade point average, or, if not, a written recommendation from their high school guidance counselor

●       Have permission from their high school guidance counselor or Adult Education program

●       If under 18, have the consent of their parents or guardians

●       Meet course prerequisites

●       Provide recent SAT scores or take the University Accuplacer test

 Students may enroll in a maximum of two courses or six credits per semester. Students may not take more than a total of four courses over the summer, fall and spring semesters. Students may take courses through on-site instruction, interactive television courses, or courses offered online. Developmental/non-college level courses are excluded. Students must be enrolled in a public high school or be home-schooled and meet certain general and academic requirements. High School Aspirations is always “space available” and students must meet prerequisites for enrollment. Completed applications will be processed in the order received.

 Meehan advises students to enroll early as many courses do fill up.

 “Students start with their high school guidance counselor, complete the application form and talk about how the college course(s) will apply to their high school transcripts,” she said.  Meehan noted that it’s a very simple enrollment process.

 Registration is available now for both summer and fall terms.

 For more information contact University College at Rockland at 596-6906 or visit http://learn.maine.edu/rockland/get-started/high-school-aspirations/ .