Pikeville, Ky.
The University of Pikeville’s dual credit program was recently highlighted in the 2012 edition of “The CollegeKeys Compact,” a catalog of effective practices published by the College Board Advocacy & Policy Center.
A non-profit organization representing more than 5,900 colleges, universities and schools, the College Board leads national and international efforts to improve access to and readiness for higher education. “UPIKE Today, Your College Now” was among 56 educational programs profiled in the College Board’s national publication, which features successful strategies to help students get ready for and get into college.
“Now more than ever, it is critical that as a nation we work together to make college access and success a reality for all students,” College Board Vice President Ronald Williams wrote in a letter to UPIKE administrators. “The College Board Advocacy & Policy Center is proud to have you as a partner in the CollegeKeys Compact, and we look forward to spreading the word about your success as a model for others across the nation.”
UPIKE Today is an introduction to the college classroom experience and provides opportunities for qualified juniors and seniors to earn both high school and college credit at the same time. Students are enrolled in a variety of classes, including biology, chemistry, calculus, economics, English, psychology and Spanish.
“In 2010, we served about 80 students representing three high schools. Today, more than 300 students from eight high schools and six districts are enrolled in the dual credit program,” said UPIKE Vice President James Hurley, a former middle and high school administrator, teacher and coach who led efforts to increase the University’s dual credit offerings to high schools throughout the region. “We have had tremendous support from the leadership in our school districts because they understand the importance of college readiness. We are also fortunate to work with dedicated teachers who provide a high quality classroom experience.”
Dual credit students become members of the UPIKE family, beginning with campus visits and tours. They receive a student ID card for free admission to University events, are assigned a Web account and have access to campus facilities and student services. Scholarships are available to those who qualify.
“The University of Pikeville has had great success with the dual credit program,” said President Paul Patton. “This is a program that we want to offer to all Pike County and surrounding county school systems. Students who take these classes are more likely to attend college after graduation. As the intellectual capital of this region, programs like this can give them a head start on their college plans and, in some cases, help others realize that college is affordable and an attainable goal.”
For more information about the University of Pikeville’s dual credit program UPIKE Today, contact Teresa Lockhart at (606) 218-5306.
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