With Trigg County High School shifting away from Murray State’s Thoroughbred Academy, achieving juniors and seniors wanting to get a serious jump earning two-year degrees will have a major opportunity in front of them at Hopkinsville Community College.
That’s according to HCC Early College Advisor Pat Riley and HCC Dual Credit Program Coordinator April Smith, who on Tuesday afternoon confirmed to the Cadiz Rotary Club that — for the first time ever — 13 Wildcat students met an April 15 deadline, and have committed to this new program.
If completed, it grants either an associates in science, an associates in arts, or perhaps both if planned and properly executed.
Still in its formative stages, Riley said the program has been effective for both Christian County and Todd County high school students — who travel no less than two, but no more than four, days a week to take part in on-campus learning experiences.
Riley noted he has pivoted his career in this direction, in order to give full attention to youths transitioning into the collegiate classroom.
He also noted the education is rigorous and organized.
Fall junior year is Writing ENG 101, Quantitative Reasoning MAT 150, Social Interaction PSY 110 and Humanities MUS 100.
Spring junior year is Writing ENG 102, Heritage HIS 108, Communications COM 181 and Science CHE 170/175.
Fall senior year is a Core Elective ENG 161, Social Interaction ECO 201, Quantitative Reasoning STA 220 and Foreign Language SPA 101.
And Spring senior year is a three-hour Pathway Elective, a Cultural Studies Core Elective, a four-hour Foreign Language SPA 102, and another three-hour Pathway Elective.
Smith said that one of the big positives of joining and completing the program is the cost savings being afforded families. Those finishing this gauntlet will pay the dual-credit rate of $93 per hour, meaning a three-hour class is $279, a four-hour class is $372, and a five-hour class is $465.
The raw cost — before the possible application of a combined six Traditional Dual Credit Scholarships and Work Ready Dual Credit Scholarships through four semesters — is $2,418 per year.
Those costs could slightly change.
This program, Smith added, also has gateway GPA and/or ACT requirements.
Riley also noted that, as sophomores, these candidates must complete Pathway Elective FYE 105 at a full tuition rate of $558, and Digital Literacy CIT 105 the following semester — where Work Ready Dual Credit Scholarships are applicable.
The Cadiz Rotary Club and its officials are currently in serious negotiations in supporting this venture in a variety of ways, with action likely coming at a later date.
Officials also noted dual credit options will remain available for all students, even if this program isn’t pursued.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Pat Riley, HCC Early College Advisor: patrick.riley@kctcs.edu, (270) 707-3882
April Smith, HCC Dual Credit Program Coordinator: april.smith@kctcs.edu, (270) 707-3821
Julie Hyams, Director of Admissions: julie.hyams@kctcs.edu, (270) 707-3809
Janay Futrell, TCHS School Counselor: janay.futrell@trigg.kyschools.us, (270) 522-2200
