Western Nevada College is embarking on a new partnership to help area high school students begin their college careers early and save money along the way.
High School juniors and seniors living in Carson City, Douglas, Lyon, Story and Washoe counties can earn college credits at no cost through Nevada State High School, while they finish high school. They may also receive support with textbooks, transportation, and class expenses.
The online school operates three sites in Southern Nevada, and has received a College and Career Readiness Grant from the Nevada Department of Education to partner with Western Nevada College, allowing WNC to expand its dual enrollment program for many Northern Nevada youth.
To promote student success, the school uses a Five-Star School Cohort Model. NSHS students are required to participate in transition courses to integrate personally, academically and socially into a college environment. Students touch base weekly with an advisor to stay on track and resolve challenges.
WNC Dean of Students John Kinkella said the college is happy to welcome the new five-star ranked high school to the service area.
“Nevada State High School has a distinguished record of providing dual-enrollment opportunities to young people in Southern Nevada. We are delighted to have such a student-centered partner join us in our remarkably successful Jump Start College program.”
Students will have the ability to get ahead of other students their age and also enjoy a real college experience,” said Dr. Wendi Hawk, former Chief Academic Officer for NSHE and a Douglas High School graduate. “By approaching high school education in this manner, we aim to significantly increase Nevada’s high school and college graduation rates,” Hawk said.
The Nevada System of Higher Education admits incoming high school juniors and seniors into college courses that also complete the requirements for a high school diploma. As a result, students may be able to earn dual high school and college credits for the classes they take. This will allow many to graduate from high school with a WNC associate degree in hand, or with most of the general education courses required for a bachelor’s degree.
Tuition is free for up to five college classes each semester, allowing high school students to complete their first two years of college tuition-free, while they finish high school. The resulting savings can be as much as $13,000, based on data reported by www.collegeboard.com. Twenty out of 100 graduates who attended the school for two years earned more than 60 credits towards their bachelor’s.
Applications and additional information are available online at www.earlycollegenv.com or at WNC by contacting Russell Keglovits@gmail.com or 775-445-4448 or Tricia.Wentz@wnc.edu or 775-445-3269.
