Yavapai College Gives High School Students Head Start

The Early College Academy is a program in which high school students complete YC classes through concurrent enrollment at a YC campus in partnership with their high school while simultaneously fulfilling high school graduation requirements. Students have the opportunity to complete general education classes, an AGEC (Arizona General Education Curriculum certificate), or an associate degree while in high school. The high school partner pays the tuition for the YC classes and YC provides a space for the high school students to meet and complete their required coursework.

This fall’s pilot partnership is with Prescott High School and it has proven to be a resounding success. Currently, 17 seniors are enrolled in the Early College Academy. PHS is already looking to expand the program to more seniors and juniors next year.

Yavapai College is also working with other high school districts throughout the county to expand the Early College Academy to more high school students.

It is a tremendous opportunity for students to flourish, as shown by some current student testimonials:

“I decided to apply to the Early College Academy because I felt like I was lacking motivation and happiness at school, and I needed a change of atmosphere. I also liked the idea of getting ahead with some college credits.”

“I hadn’t expected to find a community of students equally as driven as myself. It’s made me realize that a person’s environment is everything, and I feel like I can truly be me here.”

The Early College Academy is just another way in which Yavapai College is working to provide accessible, affordable education to students of all ages and backgrounds. I am delighted that we are able to bring high school students to our campus to enrich their learning experience, reduce college costs and shorten time to degree completion. QCBN

By Lisa B. Rhine

Lisa B. Rhine, Ph.D., is the president of Yavapai College. In February 2019, Dr. Lisa B. Rhine became the 10th president of Yavapai College, bringing to the institution more than 30 years of leadership experience across a number of leading colleges and universities in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia. Dr. Rhine assumed this role with a commitment to advance the mission of the college while ensuring access and support to those for whom opportunities may have been historically limited or denied.

Yavapai College offers over 100 degrees and certificates, student and community services, and cultural events and activities at six locations throughout Yavapai County, including campuses in Prescott and Clarkdale, and centers in Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Sedona and the Prescott Airport.