Overview

Dual credits and postsecondary credentials are a great way to jumpstart college and save time and money. Students in Early College programs can earn or get a head start on earning postsecondary (college) credentials. Dual credit courses are built into the program curriculum. By successfully completing the all required dual credit courses during two years at WCC, students in the programs listed at the right can either earn postsecondary credentials or get a head start on earning them.

 

Benefits to Students:

  • Gain hands-on experience in the career pathway.
  • Experience college-level work.
  • Earn college credit while in high school.
  • Save money on college tuition, textbooks, and fees.
  • Transfer credits to other colleges.
  • Save time on college completion.
  • Have daily support from staff.

 

NEXT STEPS FOR STUDENTS

The postsecondary credentials offered at WCC are the first credentials that can be earned in each of the career areas. By taking additional courses at Ivy Tech or Vincennes, students can earn the next levels of credentials eventually leading to Associate Degrees and beyond. Students are encouraged to take academic dual credit courses at their high schools.

 

Our Partners

WCC has dual credit agreements with Ivy Tech Community College and Vincennes University. WCC is an Early College Career Center endorsed through CELL (Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning at the University of Indianapolis). High schools and career center across the state work with CELL to offer postsecondary credentials to their students.

 

Ivy Tech Rep

Chris Bottomley is at WCC each Wednesday to help students & staff with Ivy Tech and general college questions & procedures. Contact him at cbottomley2@ivytech.edu or cbottomley@g.fayette.k12.in.us.

 

VU Rep

Judy Anderson is available to help students and staff with VU questions & procedures. She is here as needed throughout the school year. She can be contacted at janderson@vinu.edu or janderson@sccusa.org.

 

8 EARLY COLLEGE CORE PRINCIPLES

The Indiana early college model adopted by CELL focuses on 8 core principles. The model encourages endorsed high schools and career centers to evaluate their early college programs and work to strengthen the implementation of the 8 core principles. These principles drive the implementation of our early college program at WCC.

 

  1. Targeted Student Population:  Underserved students such as first-generation, low-income, and students of color.
  2. Curriculum & Plan of Study:  From college-preparedness to career-ready.
  3. College-Going Culture:  An environment that builds the expectation of post-secondary attainment.
  4. Rigorous Instruction:  Challenge and high expectations in every class.
  5. Supports for Student Success:  Academic, social, and emotional supports.
  6. Collaboration & Partnerships:  Higher education, family, community, and industry partnerships.
  7. Leadership & Staffing:  Defined roles and responsibilities.
  8. Data Collection, Analysis, and Use:  Continual assessment and improvement of program elements.

 

HISTORY OF BECOMING AN EARLY COLLEGE CAREER CENTER

In May of 2019, 6 Welding Technology students earned Ivy Tech Certificates in Structural Welding and participated in Ivy Tech Richmond’s commencement ceremony. In March 2020, WCC was fully-endorsed by the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) as an Early College Career Center. WCC is seeking re-endorsement in spring 2023.