Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) hosted Early College Boot Camp at its campuses in Blue Bell and Pottstown recently for high-school students and families eager to learn how to get a head start on a college education.

Students and their families — as well as guidance counselors, faculty and other school administrators — were invited to learn more about the college’s dual enrollment program. It allows students at least 15 years old to take campus-based or online college classes through MCCC while still in high school. Dual enrollment students can earn undergraduate credits that can be transferred to a four-year college or university.

“A Great Turnout”

Christine Morris, Administrative Director of Educational Partnerships and an organizer of Early College Boot Camp, said the programs at both campuses were incredibly successful. “We had great turnout at both,” she said. “We are really focused on educating the public about the great opportunities offered through dual enrollment and the resources available to students.”

Tiffany Webber, MCCC Director of High School Programs & Educational Partnerships, elaborated: “At the end of the day, all that parents, guardians and families want is the best for their children. Initiatives like this help with early exposure and educate families about their options.

“I look forward to facilitating even more opportunities like this in the near future,” she concluded.

Dual Enrollment Benefits

Early College Boot Camp began with information about the dual enrollment program, especially its benefits. By earning an associate degree from MCCC, students can save as much as $30,000 in tuition before transferring to a four-year institution.

Similarly, according to a study by the American Institutes for Research, college enrollment rates after graduation for early college students were significantly higher (63.5 percent vs. 24.3 percent for traditional students).

Early-college enrolled students positively impact college degree attainment, indicating 24.9 percent of the early college group earned degrees, versus 4.7 percent of traditional students.

Dual enrollment students perform also as well or better on state assessments than their traditional high -chool counterparts. The studies also show similar effects on socioeconomically disadvantaged students.

MCCC Services and Opportunities

Early College Boot Camp also featured presentations on services available at MCCC, including:

• Financial aid
• Student health and wellness
• Student support programs
• Athletics and student life
• Career services
• Alumni engagement
• Library services
• Academic support

Dual Enrollment students receive all academic and support services and can participate in all clubs, activities, and athletics.

Targeted Info

The program then held separate presentations for students and families. Students learned about what it’s like to become a dual enrollment student, how to transition from being a high-school student to first-year college student and resources available to MCCC enrollees.

They then took a campus tour and were able to register for the program onsite. The program helped students understand the options available.

“Some students don’t know the opportunity exists to them,” said Morris.

Families learned more about the value of a community college education and heard from past and present dual enrollment students and their parents to find out about their successes in the program.

“Here to Answer”

“It’s about getting in front of parents to give them a better view of dual enrollment,” said Morris. “We’re here to answer any questions they may have along the way.”

For questions or more information about the Early College Boot Camp, contact the Office of Dual Enrollment or call 215.641.6551.

About Montgomery County Community College 
For more than 57 years, Montgomery County Community College has grown with the community to meet the evolving educational needs of Montgomery County. The College’s comprehensive curriculum includes more than 100 associate degree and certificate programs, as well as customized workforce training and certifications. Students enjoy the flexibility of learning at the College’s thriving campuses in Blue Bell and Pottstown, at the Culinary Arts Institute in Lansdale, and online.  

As an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction, the institution is positioned at the vanguard of national efforts to remove barriers to access, improve learning outcomes, and increase completion for all students. The College also is recognized regionally and nationally for its sustainability leadership, work with military veterans, community service and service learning opportunities, and use of classroom technology. For six consecutive years, MCCC has been named one of the Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges in the nation by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development for its commitment to diversity through inclusive learning and work environments, student and staff recruitment and retention practices, and meaningful community service and engagement opportunities.

More information is online.