More District 211 students taking dual-credit courses
More Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 students are recognizing the benefits of taking dual-credit courses, which allow students to earn college credit and gain technical skills while in high school.
District 211 offers more than 50 dual-credit courses through three different local colleges. Students are essentially taking a first-year college course that can transfer after they graduate, saving them money while preparing them for the coursework they will encounter once they begin their studies.
Students are also using the skills they learn to gain employment while still in school. For example, Schaumburg High School senior Jonathan Ramirez recently earned an apprenticeship with Innovative Components in Schaumburg.
The apprenticeship "gave me a good idea of what the job is like because we do hands-on work," said Jonathan, who will work at Innovative Components after graduation. "I really fell in love with it and it's good experience."
The company will pay for him to earn his associate degree at Harper College while keeping him on the job. Mike O'Connor, president of Innovative Components, said the program allows students to get involved with their field early, as well as earn credits while they learn. He also said employees are encouraged to continue education after they have finished their associate degree.
Research indicates that students who engage in college-level coursework while still in the supportive high school environment have an increased likelihood of being successful in college and graduating from college in four years. District 211 students can enroll in rigorous, college-level coursework through both advanced-placement and dual-credit courses.
The Northwest Educational Council for Student Success (NECSS) partnership of Districts 211, 214, 220, and Harper College offers high school students a variety of dual-credit and advanced-placement courses to encourage all students to earn the equivalent of 15 college credit hours - typically the equivalent of five college classes - prior to high school graduation.