RCBC Expands College Head Start Program To Holy Cross High School, Others

DELRAN, NJ — Students at Holy Cross High School can begin earning college credit from the state’s top community college, Rowan College at Burlington County, the college announced on Wednesday. The college expanded its College Head Start program in several high schools in Burlington, Camden and Ocean counties.

Along with Holy Cross, students at Moorestown, Florence, New Egypt, Pennsauken and Winslow Township high schools will now have a better path to earn their associate degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences before graduating.

“College Head Start and our 3+1 path to a Rowan University degree are powerful tools that allow students and families to avoid the high costs of college and burdensome student debt,” Rowan College at Burlington County President Paul Drayton said. “Giving high school students a head start toward their college education increases their grades, chances of attending college, and most importantly, earning a degree that will lead to a rewarding career.

“We are pleased to offer this opportunity at a 60 percent discount off our regular tuition and fees rate, which is the most affordable in New Jersey.”

3+1 allows students to save $75,000 compared to attending a four-year college by completing three years with Rowan College at Burlington County before completing their bachelor’s degree with Rowan University, which offers a 15 percent discount for courses offered online or the Mount Laurel campus.

“No one can match the affordable, high-quality college opportunities available in Burlington County,” Burlington County Freeholder Linda Hughes, who serves as education liaison, said. “We are so pleased that more high school students will benefit from innovative partnerships between their high schools and Rowan College at Burlington County.

“Many students will be able to complete their associate degree before receiving their high school diploma, which will save them and their parents a lot of money.”

To facilitate this expansion, the college announced improvements to its College Acceleration Program (CAP), which awards college credit for certain high school courses.

“Students and their families will have an easier time accessing college courses and will receive greater assurance that the credits they earn will be accepted at Rowan College at Burlington County, Rowan University and many other four-year colleges,” said Mike Cioce, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success.

Parents and students interested in one of these College Head Start Paths should contact their high school’s guidance office. For more information about College Head Start, visit rcbc.edu/headstart. For more information about 3+1, please visit rcbc.edu/3plus1.

Attached image provided by Rowan College at Burlington County