Harford Community College has started dual-enrollment courses which allow students to take college courses while they’re still attending high school. These courses allow students to take class that count as high school and college credits.

HCC estimated that 30-35 students from Edgewood participated in the dual-enrollment program this year, with 175-200 enrolled across the county.

To become a dual enrolled student, students have to first contact their guidance office to complete the Harford County Schools Application for Dual Enrollment at Harford Community College and to receive enrollment guidelines.

Most students at EHS believe it is a great start to senior year.

“It allows you to graduate college early and to get ahead of all the rest,” Stephanie Salisbury, a junior considering joining the program, said.

“I wanted to do part time attendance and I couldn’t just do nothing, so I decided to take a class at HCC so it wouldn’t look like I did nothing to the college I want to go to,” Sara Roach, junior, said.

Juniors and seniors who are planning on having part-time attendance are being contacted by HCC to start night classes.

The college contacts you, and, if you are interested, you set up a meeting and they make a convenient schedule around your high school and sport life. They try to make it as easy as possible to go to high school, play a sport, and start on your AA degree. Most students aren’t quite finished their AA degree by the time they finish high school, but it is possible.

“The only thing I can tell you about the students that I’ve taught that are dual enrolled is that they are some of the brightest, well-adjusted, over achieving students I’ve ever had,” Dan Barnhart, HCC Coordinator for College Life & Wellness, said.

“They certainly break the mold of the traditional student and bring their own unique, positive perspective to the college campus.”

Our school offers one Harford Community College course entitled HCC Algebra 1 and 2, taught by Ms. Carnohan. Each Semester is worth 3 credits, which in the long run saves you around $450, since courses are normally $70 per credit. This is the 5th year this dual-enrollment class has been offered at Edgewood High.

During the first semester this year there were about 25 students and by the second semester there were only about 12.

If you’re looking for a challenge this class is for you.

“For those students going to HCC, it is a good way to refresh their basic algebra skills. By passing these classes, students earn college math credits and are exempt from the placement test,” Mrs. Carnohan said.