Coahoma Community College June 6, 2014 Over Two Dozen West Tallahatchie Students Earn College Credit from CCC For some, high school serves as a stepping-stone to achieve the next step- college. However, several local high-school students, including over two-dozen students at West Tallahatchie High School in Webb, MS, have been taking advantage of the opportunity to work towards both goals in one effort through Coahoma Community College's Dual Enrollment program. About 30 West Tallahatchie High School (WTHS) have graduated or will graduate from high school with college credits transferable to any college or university that they earned while still in high school through CCC's Dual Enrollment Program. It's a huge leap from the one WTHS student enrolled in the program during the Fall 2013- one that CCC's Distance Learning and Dual Enrollment Coordinator Shanelle Frazier credits to the dedication of WTHS's faculty and staff. "I was very excited to be working with the students from West Tallahatchie High School, and I appreciated the help and hard work from the principal and counselor," said Frazier. WTHS Principal Christopher Furdge said he's particularly proud of the fact over half of the students enrolled this past semester were high school juniors. "Our school district's motto is 'Transforming Todays Achievers into Tomorrows 21st Century Leaders'. Students at West Tallahatchie High School realize the importance of preparing today for tomorrows' challenges," said Furdge. "Our students have embraced the opportunity to enroll in college courses as juniors and seniors." According to Frazier, most of the students use the opportunity to undertake cores courses such as College Algebra, Computer Concepts and English. The courses are conveniently offered on site at WTHS, and in the West Tallahatchie School District, under the leadership of Dr. Darron L. Edwards. The program covers tuition, provides transportation, and books for those students enrolled in the classes. "This opportunity brings excitement to our student body as it introduces them to college in a healthy non-threatening way. They are able to take classes with their peers on the high school campus," Furdge said. "We are looking forward to increasing the number of students in dual enrollment classes in 2014-2015 as we continue our partnership with Coahoma Community College." Frazier said several of the students have taken full advantage of the opportunity, like WTHS student Kymbreana Watson who already has nine hours-three hours of English I, English II and College Algebra- that transition with her to college. Only high school students with a minimum 3.0 grade point average are eligible to enroll in the program. In addition, students must submit a letter of recommendation from their academic counselor or principal, a CCC admissions application, a copy of their social security card and a parent agreement form. Students must maintain a "B" average to remain in the program. College credits earned through the program are transferable to any college or university, and students have no obligation to enroll at CCC once they graduate from high school. Frazier said this past semester, WTHS students had a 100 percent passing rate, and that she is excited about hosting even more WTHS students. "I look forward to working with the students again in the upcoming fall semester, and with the recruiting help of West Tallahatchie's principal, Mr. Christopher Furdge, I expect another increase in dual enrollment," she said. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/2014meeting-form.html for the October 26-28, 2014 HBCU Library Alliance 6th Membership Meeting in Atlanta GA!