By Phil Berkenbile, Ed. D.
State Director of Career and Technology Education
and Dr. Glen D. Johnson
Chancellor of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education

Getting A Head Start On College

Last fall, more than 4,000 high school and adult students earned college credit for CareerTech courses they took at their local technology centers. Next fall, even more students are expected to take advantage of this great opportunity. Here's how it works:

The Oklahoma State System for Higher Education and Oklahoma CareerTech, as partners, have established cooperative alliance agreements that enable qualified students to earn highly affordable and transferable college credit from community colleges and certain universities for CareerTech classes they take at their local technology centers. These courses count toward a college degree.

The purpose of these agreements is to increase the number of high school students and adults in Oklahoma that earn college degrees. In addition to improving affordability and expanding access to college, the program promotes the efficient use of federal, state and local resources.

Participating high school students pay $8 per credit hour to the college or university to cover academic service fees at the time their approved CareerTech courses are transcripted for college credit. This saves them the price of college tuition. Adult students pay the regular technology center fees, considerably less expensive than college tuition, plus the $8 per credit hour.

This initiative supports Oklahoma economic development and workforce efforts, which place a high priority on college graduates and a highly educated workforce.

Students earning college credit at our technology centers can get a head start on their college career. These cooperative alliances make it possible for students to save money, get industry -recognized credentials, earn a college degree and enter the work force sooner.

Juniors and seniors in high school or homeschooled students who are 16 or older are eligible to participate at their local technology centers. These high school students must have an ACT score of 19, PLAN score of 15, or a high school grade point average of 2.5. High school students must also have permission from a parent or legal guardian and written support from a counselor or advisor.

This program is an outstanding example of how collaboration between education partners can produce something significant for Oklahoma and its future. The state Department of Education, CareerTech and higher education will continue to work together to offer students the opportunity to earn concurrent college credit while still in high school. This is an important part of our overall effort to have seemless, affordable access to college degrees. We believe our student-focused efforts will help us accomplish our mission of educating future leaders and benefiting the entire state.