McHenry High School, McHenry Area Rotary team up to offer dual credit discount for students
McHenry Community High School District 156 students who take a dual credit class to earn college credit may notice an even greater cost savings next year thanks to a new partnership between the high school district and McHenry Area Rotary.
The Rotary club is pledging $20,000 for the 2024-25 school year to offset fees for students taking dual credit courses offered at the high school through a partnership with McHenry County College.
Club members plan to continue the program each year, though the amount may change depending on fundraising success.
Dual credit allows students to earn college credit while completing high school diploma requirements in high school.
For the 2024-25 school year, McHenry High School has expanded dual credit offerings to 19 courses, which equals 24 college courses since several, such as U.S. History, French and German, translate to two college level-courses.
There is a $25 fee per dual credit course, so the gift from McHenry Area Rotary may eliminate or drastically reduce that fee for students. How much savings families see will depend on how many students take dual credit courses and annual Rotary fundraising.
“We’re very proud to offer this to our students and families,” said Ryan McTague, District 156 superintendent. “Dual credit is a wonderful opportunity for our students to get a head start on their postsecondary education and training.”
Jeff Batt, youth services chair for the McHenry Area Rotary, said this program allows the club to continue its mission of supporting youth. In the past, the club has funded scholarships and donated money to offset Advanced Placement (AP) testing fees.
Now, with the increasing popularity and variety of dual credit programs, this financial donation has the potential to help a wider range of students and families since there is such an extensive variety of dual credit programs available, including metals, computer science, manufacturing, business INCubator, accounting and more.
“I think this is the best idea yet as far as how to help kids and make an impact,” Batt said.
“It’s a natural progression from where we started.”
Don Tonyan, McHenry Area Rotary president, said he’s mentioned the dual credit program to officials with other Rotary clubs who may be looking for educational programs to support. In addition to youth programs and education, Rotary also helps fund disaster relief and international causes.
“You’re going to see this popping up with other Rotary clubs,” Tonyan said. “That’s the beauty of Rotary — we’ve got clubs everywhere.”
Dual credit courses already offer a cost savings for families since each course costs $25 but taking the equivalent course in college could cost significantly more. A similar three-credit hour course could cost as much as $1,000 for an in-state college or university to $2,500 for a private institution.
Dual credit is becoming more popular in high schools given the significant cost savings and the variety of dual credit offerings.
McHenry Area Rotary has a long-standing partnership with McHenry Community High School with students volunteering to help with Rotary giving and fundraising events such as Secret Santa and Bands, Brews and BBQ. Rotary also sponsors the Rotary Youth Leadership Award to fund a three-day camp for a selected student interested in growing leadership skills.
“We are grateful for the McHenry Rotary Club’s incredible investment in our students’ future and service to our school and local community,” McTague said.