High School Students Get College Credit, Learn College Life

Newswise — High school letter jackets may not be the norm at most college campuses, but at The University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio, it's another sign of the University's involvement in Hancock County and the surrounding area. The University offers a post-secondary options program and the UF-USA program, at little or no cost to the student, that allow area high school students to begin their college careers while still in high school. "The post-secondary options program helps students become familiar with a college campus and what's expected of them in a college classroom," explained Amy DePuy, transfer student and post-secondary options program coordinator. DePuy works with high school guidance counselors and students, helping them through the registration process and serving as their adviser. Any high school student with a cumulative high school G.P.A. of 3.0 is welcome to apply for the post-secondary options program. Students may take up to eight credit hours per semester and enroll in 100- or 200-level courses. High school juniors and seniors with a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.6 may enroll at UF full-time for up to 18 credit hours per semester. All students must maintain a minimum G.P.A. of 2.0 at UF to remain in the program. Approximately 140 students are taking advantage of the post-secondary options program this semester, learning side-by-side with UF's undergraduates. More than 160 high school students were enrolled through the program in fall 2007. Nearly 50 area high schools have participated. "It's a great program for the students," said DePuy. "It's nice to give back to the community through higher education." UF also offers the UF-USA program, which allows high school students to take college-level courses at their home high schools. High school teachers, who are trained by UF faculty members to teach college-level courses such as calculus and English, teach the courses and receive additional training each summer. In the past year, approximately 960 high school students participated in the UF-USA program from more than 40 area high schools. Both programs highlight UF's commitment to higher education and the institution's positive involvement in the community.