Community College Partnerships Offer Opportunities to High School Students

By Margaret Anderson, Promotions Writer at Community College of Allegheny County

Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) and Penn Hills School District have partnered to offer high school students an opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school.

The College in High School (CIHS) program offers an alternative to the traditional method of taking the Advanced Placement (AP) exam administered by The College Board. The following CIHS courses are now offered through CCAC at the high school:

  • AP United States History
  • AP European History
  • AP Psychology
  • AP Studio Art

Students who register with CCAC and earn a “C” or better in the course will receive college credit that can be applied toward a CCAC degree program or may be transferred to another college. Penn Hills School District is covering the cost of tuition for successfully completed CIHS courses. Through this partnership, Penn Hills High School students save a considerable amount of money while getting a head start on their college careers.

Additionally, CCAC’s Washington County Center and Trinity High School have established an articulation agreement that enables Trinity students to earn CCAC credit while in high school. CCAC also provides CIHS courses through the following schools:

  • Bethel Park High School
  • Cornerstone Christian Preparatory Academy
  • Gateway High School
  • Urban Pathways 6-12 Charter School

College-bound high school students also have the opportunity to develop advanced technical skills and earn college credit toward an associate degree while still in high school through CCAC Dual Enrollment Academies.

CCAC is committed to expanding its partnerships with school districts, and the appointment of Andrew Johnson to the new position of Executive Director of Community Partnerships and External Affairs will serve to enhance these working relationships.