UA Class to Prepare High-School Students for Fall’s New Dual Credit Opportunity

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Alabama State Board of Education has announced a new 1:1 dual credit policy that allows one college class to equal one high-school graduation credit. High-school students can now obtain high school and college credit simultaneously.

Under the new statewide policy, the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education has partnered with The University of Alabama’s Early College to allow rising 10th grade students to earn dual credit by taking online courses. Juniors and seniors may take courses either online or on the UA campus.

To help high-school students, including those in the ninth grade, take full advantage of dual credit opportunities this fall, UA Early College has scheduled a special Gateway class beginning June 16. The deadline to register for the class is June 2.

“The Early College program at The University of Alabama is another excellent example of resources that are available for our students, and it is another example of the collaborations and relationships that we have with our stakeholders,” said Paul McKendrick, superintendent of Tuscaloosa City Schools.

“We are thankful that we have this relationship with UA because this is yet another program that meets the needs of so many students,” McKendrick said. “They not only are in college-level classes but also are getting, first hand, the experiences of being on a college campus, working with university professors, and, at the same time, gaining the confidence that will assist them as they continue to excel in this environment.

“I certainly hope that the program expands. That will allow us to make sure that we continue to meet the needs of our students, that we continue looking for ways to provide opportunities for students.”

“Starting the month-long Gateway class on June 16th is a great way for students to get ahead this summer,” said Dr. Cheree Causey, executive director of UA Early College. “After completing the class, students will be prepared to earn dual credit online or on the UA campus through UA Early College.

“Our faculty, staff and peer coaches are honored to work with our highly motivated Tuscaloosa area students.”

The Tuscaloosa City School system is encouraging all high-school students and their parents to learn more about dual credit for this fall through the UA Early College Gateway class.

For more information regarding UA Early College, contact Claire Harris at 1-877-823-8759 or earlycollege@ua.edu, or go to www.uaearlycollege.ua.edu.

Over 6,000 students from across the United States have been through the UA Early College program and have received more than $3 million in scholarships from the University while they were in high school.

Students with at least a 3.0 high school GPA are eligible to apply anytime after completion of their freshman year to the fall of their senior year.