Rock Hill, SC, September 1, 2025
News Summary
Rock Hill Schools has allied with York Technical College to introduce a dual enrollment program enabling high school students to earn college credits and an associate degree while finishing their diplomas. The initiative, which begins with its first cohort, aims to ease the transition for students into college. Notable benefits include financial savings through state tuition assistance and the development of essential life skills. The program looks to expand participation in the next academic year, helping more students to get ahead in their academic journeys.
Rock Hill, SC – Rock Hill Schools has partnered with York Technical College to launch a new dual enrollment program aimed at high school students. This initiative allows students to earn college credits and an associate degree while concurrently completing their high school diplomas, marking a significant milestone for both institutions.
The new program, welcoming its first cohort of students, enrolls high schoolers who are looking to get a head start on their college education. Among the first group of participants is Ja’Nyia Cunningham, a junior at South Pointe High School, who aspires to study medicine. She believes that the opportunity provided by the dual enrollment program will better prepare her for future medical school opportunities.
Another student in the program, Owen Shene from Northwestern High School, is focused on a career in chemical engineering. He chose to participate in the dual enrollment program to concentrate on his major early, allowing him to build a solid academic foundation.
The dual enrollment program consists of several 8-week courses, offering students a pathway to accumulate up to 60 hours of college credit. This credit can significantly benefit students when transferring to a four-year institution, enabling them to enter as juniors. It effectively accelerates their education and transition into college life.
Funding for this initiative comes through South Carolina’s lottery tuition assistance, which provides substantial financial relief to students and their families. It is estimated that the program could help families save between $20,000 and $30,000 in tuition costs over the course of their college education. Students have expressed that this financial assistance alleviates some of the burdens on their parents, allowing them to confront college-level coursework earlier than usual.
Participating students have remarked on the dual enrollment program’s ability to guide their peers, particularly those in Advanced Placement (AP) classes, who may not realize that they could be earning college credits while still in high school.
The program is also designed to help students develop important life skills, such as independence and responsibility, as they learn to balance their high school and college commitments. Alicisa Johnson, the Executive Director for Secondary Education at Rock Hill Schools, has noted that alongside academic rigor, students are acquiring vital skills related to time management and self-sufficiency.
Dr. Stacey Moore, President of York Technical College, emphasized the importance of this program in preparing students for success in the workforce or continued education, potentially allowing them to earn a college degree by the time they are 17 or 18 years old. As part of a broader plan, Rock Hill Schools aims to expand this dual enrollment program to accommodate 60 students in the upcoming academic year.
Encouragement has been extended for other students to consider this unique opportunity, promoting the belief that there is nothing to fear in joining the dual enrollment program. Cunningham has voiced her thoughts on the program, motivating her classmates to embrace the chance to further their educational journeys.
FAQs
What is the dual enrollment program?
The dual enrollment program allows high school students to earn college credits and an associate degree while simultaneously completing their high school diploma.
Who can participate in the program?
High school students who meet certain academic criteria can participate in the dual enrollment program, making it especially appealing for those planning to pursue further education in college.
How many college credits can students earn?
Students can earn up to 60 hours of college credit through the dual enrollment program, which equips them to enter four-year institutions as juniors.
What financial assistance is available for students?
Funding from South Carolina’s lottery tuition assistance helps cover tuition costs, potentially saving students and their families between $20,000 and $30,000.
Key Features of the Dual Enrollment Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| College Credits | Students can earn 60 hours of college credit. |
| Financial Savings | Potential savings of $20,000 to $30,000 on tuition. |
| Life Skills Development | Students develop independence and responsibility. |
| Academic Pathways | Provides courses aligned with students’ future majors. |
| Future Prospects | Prepares students to enter college as juniors. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Rock Hill Schools Launches Dual Language Immersion Program
New Middle College Program Launched for High School Students
SC Colleges Preserve Jazz as Out-of-State Enrollment Peaks
Rock Hill Middle College: Earn AA by High School
New Middle College Lets High Schoolers Earn AA
Middle College Lets Students Earn AA with Diploma
Additional Resources
- WBTV: Rock Hill High School Students Earn College Degrees Before Graduation
- WCNC: Rock Hill Middle College Opens at York Technical College
- Post and Courier: Winthrop Rock Hill Schools Dual Enrollment Program
- Wikipedia: Dual Enrollment
- Google Search: Dual Enrollment Programs
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
