Free College Classes Offered for Select District 300 Students Through New Program

Source: Consolidated Unit School District 300 website

District 300 has announced a new partnership with Elgin Community College (ECC), which will allow qualified high school seniors the opportunity to enroll at ECC full-time and earn up to 32 college credit hours, tuition free.

The Accelerate College Dual Credit Program provides District 300 students the ability to take up to a full-year of college classes that lead toward a two-year Associates Degree (24 to 32 hours of a 60 hour program). Degree options include an Associate of Applied Sciences, an Associate of Arts, or an Associate of Science.

District 300 students interested in the Accelerate College Dual Credit Program must meet ECC’s admission requirements, pass ECC’s placement tests in reading, writing, and math, and participate in summer orientation activities. Students will also be responsible for their own transportation and the purchase of course books. (Please note: grades that students earn in the Accelerate College Dual Credit Program will be a part of his or her permanent college transcript).

Most classes will be held between 8 a.m and 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, students will attend a study hall at their respective high school, where they will have dedicated time with a counselor to ensure they are progressing successfully through ECC’s courses and to attend special college-related seminars.

Students involved in extra-curricular activities are encouraged to meet with their counselors to coordinate their course schedules accordingly.

The Accelerate College Dual Credit Program is a real jumpstart on a college education. Students seeking a two-year degree would essentially have half of their coursework complete by the end of their senior year. Students seeking to transition to a university could complete nearly all their freshman credits before taking a class on a university campus. With Illinois public university tuitions ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 annually, the Accelerate Dual Credit Program offers families a tremendous cost savings opportunity.

Students who are interested in the Accelerate College Dual Credit Program should speak to their high school counselor for additional information.

For additional information, please see the attached document or visit www.d300.org/DualCredit