News Summary
The Charleston County School District collaborates with Charleston Southern University to introduce the CSU-CCSD Collegiate Pathways Program. This initiative allows high school students to earn college credits while completing their secondary education. Starting this fall, the program will pilot at three high schools, providing opportunities for both juniors and seniors, as well as a cohort of ninth-graders, to gain valuable early exposure to college-level coursework. The program aims to make higher education more accessible and affordable for local students.
Charleston, SC
The Charleston County School District (CCSD) has joined forces with Charleston Southern University (CSU) to launch a new dual enrollment initiative called the CSU-CCSD Collegiate Pathways Program. This program aims to give high school students an opportunity to earn college credits while still pursuing their secondary education.
The program was officially announced on Wednesday and will begin piloting at three local high schools: North Charleston High School, R.B. Stall High School, and St. John’s High School this upcoming fall semester. The initiative targets eligible juniors and seniors at Stall High School and North Charleston High School, providing 15-20 students from each of these schools the chance to earn transferable college credit.
At St. John’s High School, a different approach will be taken by welcoming a cohort of 15-20 ninth-grade students into the program. This diverse enrollment strategy aims to cater to a broad range of students, ensuring that more young people can take charge of their academic journeys.
Eligibility and Structure
To be eligible for the CSU-CCSD Collegiate Pathways Program, students must maintain at least a 3.0 unweighted GPA and undergo a formal application process. This requirement is put in place to ensure that participants are prepared for the rigors of college-level coursework. Instruction will be delivered virtually, facilitating accessibility for students from various backgrounds, while a staff member from the school district will provide supervision and academic support throughout the program.
Financial Considerations
One of the key benefits of this initiative is that tuition will be fully covered by CCSD. Students will only need to pay a small participation fee, making this opportunity even more attainable for high school students looking to advance their educational prospects without incurring significant costs.
Partnership Goals
CCSD Superintendent Anita Huggins expressed gratitude for the partnership with CSU, suggesting that this collaboration holds the potential to significantly expand educational opportunities for students within the district. The initiative not only focuses on dual enrollment but also aims to pave the way for direct admissions and other educational prospects that are currently being developed.
Dr. Anthony Turner, Vice President for Enrollment at CSU, also noted the excitement surrounding this partnership, emphasizing a shared commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for students in the Charleston community.
Background of Dual Enrollment Initiatives
Dual enrollment programs have been gaining traction across the United States as educational institutions recognize the benefits of allowing high schoolers to experience college-level courses. These programs are designed to help students transition smoother into post-secondary education, as they not only gain valuable credit but also an understanding of college expectations and environment while still in a supportive high school setting.
Researchers and educators highlight that early exposure to college courses can lead to increased engagement, motivation, and a greater likelihood of completing higher education successfully. Moreover, such initiatives can reduce the overall cost of college by enabling students to earn credits before even graduating high school, which can lessen their financial burden in the long run.
The CSU-CCSD Collegiate Pathways Program serves as a landmark opportunity for eligible students in Charleston County, providing them access to higher education resources while still attaining their high school diplomas. As this initiative takes off this fall, it will be closely monitored for its effectiveness and potential for expansion to more schools and students in the future.
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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The HERE Charleston Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Charleston community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Charleston : Our team includes lifelong Charleston residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Charleston's equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Charleston Technical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
