Overview
Dual credit (also known as dual enrollment) programs make college credit classes available to high school students. ACC offers dual credit classes and degree pathways in both transfer and workforce programs, and supports high school students to earn college credit, complete the core curriculum, complete a workforce certificate for an entry-level job, or complete an associate degree.
Accomplishments
- While overall dual credit enrollment was down 1% from fall 2021 to fall 2022, our new student dual credit enrollment was up 12% to 13% from fall 2021 to fall 2022.
- The High School Programs Enrollment and Partnership team worked with 26 school districts, over 20 charter schools, multiple private schools, and hundreds of home-school families. The team’s goal for fall 2023 is a 5% increase in new student dual credit enrollment.
- The Enrollment and Partnership team presented information nights at high schools, middle schools, and community events, and hosted virtual sessions throughout the year. The last virtual session included over 120 attendees.
- Early College High School programs saw a slight increase of enrollment from fall 2021 to fall 2022. We should continue to see this rise in the next three to four years as Leander ECHS is completing their first class in spring 2023. Also, Jubilee Academy ECHS is set to begin their first course in spring 2024.
- In addition to recruitment efforts and new ECHS programs, Enrollment and Partnerships hosted a free one-day TSI (Texas Success Initiative) workshop focusing on reading and writing. More than 70 students participated in person at Highland Campus.
- At the conclusion of the camp, all participants were provided a TSI voucher to take the TSI Assessment test at ACC at no cost.
- We hope to build on this workshop enrollment success for the 2023–2024 school year and provide a supplemental resource in addition to this one-day workshop.
Impact
All dual credit programs combined are 20% to 25% of the total enrollment of the college. While traditional enrollment has been trending downward until recently, dual credit has been trending upward and there are signs that is happening again. High School Programs staff aim to get back to 2019 pre-pandemic growth and build from there. Last fall was a great indicator and we anticipate seeing at least a 5% increase for fall 2023.
Next Steps
- Identify high schools that are struggling in enrollment and hold targeted information sessions throughout the year.
- Identify more feeder middle schools to build a strong pipeline in middle school years.
- Continue to build a strong community presence beyond the schools and engage with community-based organizations.
- Work with ACC’s marketing team to develop updated materials that will aid in dual credit recruitment.