Overview

Students in Early College programs can earn postsecondary credentials while in high school. The dual credit courses needed to earn the credentials are already built into the program curriculum at WCC. By successfully completing the all required dual credit courses during two years at WCC, students in the programs listed at the right can earn postsecondary credentials. Dual credits and postsecondary credentials are a great way to jumpstart college and save time and money.

 

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.

 

Early College Programs at WCC

Students who complete the postsecondary credentials below are invited to participate in the college’s commencement ceremonies in May of each year.

2 YEARS @ WCC

Automotive Technology

  • Students can earn an Ivy Tech Certificate (CT) in Maintenance & Light Repair.
  • Students must successfully complete all required dual credit courses over two years at WCC.
  • The CT is the first-level postsecondary credential students can earn in Automotive Technology at Ivy Tech. See below for the next steps.

 

Precision Machine Technology

  • Students can earn an Ivy Tech Certificate (CT) in Machine Tool Technology.
  • Students must successfully complete all required dual credit courses over two years at WCC.
  • The CT is the first-level postsecondary credential students can earn in Machine Tool Technology at Ivy Tech. See below for the next steps.

 

Welding Technology

  • Students can earn an Ivy Tech Certificate (CT) in Structural Welding.
  • Students must successfully complete all required dual credit courses over two years at WCC.
  • The CT is the first-level postsecondary credential students can earn in Industrial Technology at Ivy Tech. See below for the next steps.

 

Health Science

  • Students can earn an Ivy Tech Certificate (CT) in Dementia Care.
  • Students can earn an Ivy Tech Certificate (CT) in Certified Nurse Aide (CNA).
  • The CTs are the first-level postsecondary credentials students can earn in Healthcare Specialist at Ivy Tech. See below for the next steps.

 

2 YEARS @ WCC

+ ACADEMIC DUAL CREDIT COURSES

Criminal Justice

Click to see the course pathway.

  • Students can earn a Vincennes University Certificate of Graduation (CG) in Law Enforcement.
  • Students must complete 15 credit hours of academic dual credit at their high schools to earn the CG.
  • Students must successfully complete all technical dual credit courses over two years at WCC.
  • The CG is the first-level postsecondary credential students can earn in Law Enforcement at Vincennes.

 

Education Careers

Click to see the course pathway.

  • Students can earn a Ivy Tech Technical Certificate (TC) in Elementary Education.
  • Students must complete 18 credit hours of academic dual credit at their high schools to earn the TC.
  • Students must successfully complete all technical dual credit courses over two years at WCC.
  • The TC is the first-level postsecondary credential students can earn in Education at Ivy Tech.

 

ACADEMIC COURSE AVAILABLE AT WCC

Ivy Tech COMM 101

Fundamentals of Public Speaking

(3 credit hours)

Students can take COMM 101 Fundamentals of Public Speaking at WCC. COMM 101 is a general education course required for most degree programs. The course is offered at no cost to students, including the textbook and fees. Some high schools also credit students with one semester of high school English after successful completion of the course. Students must apply to Ivy Tech, meet the course prerequisites, and successfully complete the course to earn the college credits.

 

In addition, the sending high schools offer a wide variety of academic dual credit. Connersville High School is an endorsed Early College High School, and Franklin County High School is seeking endorsement. Students are encouraged to complete academic dual credit courses at their high schools to move toward the next credential or degree level.

 

NEXT STEPS FOR STUDENTS

The postsecondary credentials offered above are the first credentials that can be earned in each of the career areas. By taking additional courses at Ivy Tech or Vincennes after graduation, students can earn the next levels of credentials eventually leading to Associate Degrees. Students may be able to earn academic dual credit needed for these credentials by taking 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.

 

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.