Career and College Promise Program Hits Record Enrollment at BCC

A program that started with a handful of high school students six years ago has grown its enrollment to more than 300 – and counting. The Career and College Promise (CCP) program provides opportunities for students to take college classes while still in high school. The program is available to public, private, and homeschooled high school students. “CCP gives students an advantage when applying to four-year colleges and universities,” said Katie Cronk, NC Career Coach. “It also offers college programs for students who want to pursue a trade, like welding or cosmetology. Regardless of the programs they choose, CCP students get a jumpstart on their college and career paths. They gain self-confidence, benefit from hands-on instruction, earn industry recognized credentials, and learn more about themselves and their interests.”

Enrolling in CCP has financial benefits as well. Courses are tuition-free for NC high school students who meet the program’s requirements. “Over the years, we’ve seen the demand for dual enrollment courses grow, especially during the pandemic,” said Dominique Duzant, NC Career Coach. “Students are graduating high school with college credits, and some are even graduating with associate degrees. CCP graduates are transferring their credits to colleges like UNC Chapel Hill, UNCW, ECU and NC State. We love seeing our students succeed, and we enjoy great relationships with the schools and homeschool associations we work with each year. We hold information sessions, visit classrooms, and meet with students one-on-one to understand their goals and create individualized plans.”

Students can choose from more than 25 different courses. Some of the most popular include Psychology, Public Speaking, Art and Music Appreciation, English, Welding, and Cosmetology. “It’s not unusual for us to have waiting lists now,” said Duzant. “Taking courses at community colleges in high school and beyond no longer carries the stigma that it used to. Instead, it’s not only becoming the norm but the smart thing to do as students realize the rewards.”

For more information and to find out how to enroll, visit our website.

Photo caption:  Pictured are NC Career Coaches, Katie Cronk (left) and Dominique Duzant (center), and Tim Payne (right), Coordinator, Center for Advanced Studies