Holyoke Community College is a popular next step for Holyoke High School graduates looking to further their education. This year Holyoke High and HCC have joined together in order to give some hardworking students a head start.

Earlier in the school year many of the school’s AP and honor students were invited to an assembly during advisory, where they were entertained by the school band preceding a presentation outlining the growing interest in early advanced learning here in Holyoke. Most of this takes the form of growing AP courses.

Due to mounting interest, HCC and the Massachusetts Board of Education decided to open the opportunity for dual enrollment at both HHS and HCC for no cost. Juniors and seniors enrolled in this program can receive one class a semester until the summer of their senior year free of cost to them. These classes can be taken in place of an A or G block class, as a night course, or as an online course.

During the presentation, guidance counselors and representatives from HCC highlighted the requirements and commitments needed to join the program. Towards the end of the presentation, the steps to become both a HHS and HCC student were outlined and papers required to sign up were handed out. The program requires approval from both your guidance counselor and a parent. After these papers were signed, students could begin their online application.

When asked why students should take these classes, guidance counselor Mrs. Bryla told The Herald: “Students should try taking these courses. They get the opportunity to earn double credit for one class, for the college and for the high school”

Enrolled students were scheduled for placement testing, and went to the HCC campus and entered Frost 271 to take the placement test. These tests showed the college what level the students were at, and helped them choose courses accordingly. After the test, students could begin scheduling. Once their course was selected, they became an official HCC student and could then receive their official college ID.

Before students are rewarded their free class, they were required to attend an orientation on January 9. During this orientation the rules, requirements, and expectations were reviewed.

HCC is not the only option for students looking to earn some college credits while in high school. Mondays after school, a Westfield State University professor comes into HHS to teach psychology. This is also free for students enrolled in the course, and offers students an introduction to psychology.

Students in these programs get a chance to experience college first hand while accumulating credits and getting a better feel for what they wish to make their career. However, this is not without some controversy. Many parents fear students are already too stressed and adding an extra class at higher level might exasperate the problem. The fear is that teens may not adapt well to their new environment and could become overwhelmed.

But for those who can handle the extra work load this can be a great opportunity to get a taste of college life and test drive a college major at little risk, and students are already taking advantage of these programs. Nysha Sanchez ‘17 says of dual enrollment, “Taking dual enrollment classes is my way of getting a head start on my college education.”