MARIETTA, OHIO — Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO) partners with 28 high schools through its College Credit Plus (CCP) program. In honor of CCP Month, WSCO is spotlighting Federal Hocking High School as an exemplary partner, showcasing the benefits of the CCP program and the strong collaboration between both institutions.
Debbie Gurtis, Early College Coordinator at WSCO, highlights Federal Hocking as a valued CCP partner at WSCO, noting their ongoing commitment to the program. “Federal Hocking has been a dual enrollment partner with WSCO since the 2020-2021 academic year, offering English and Math courses. Additionally, the number of Federal Hocking students enrolling in WSCO’s online classes has steadily increased each year,” says Gurtis.
Emma Wright, school counselor at Federal Hocking, believes that the experience students gain from taking CCP courses with WSCO is extremely beneficial, helping them save time and money while also building the confidence needed to thrive in a college environment. “The collaboration between our school and WSCO has provided students with valuable academic opportunities that prepare them for college and career success. Through the College Credit Plus (CCP) program, students have access to quality college courses while still in high school, allowing them to get ahead academically, reduce future college costs, and experience college-level expectations in a supportive environment,” says Wright.
Gurtis recognizes Federal Hocking’s commitment to prioritizing students and their educational needs, stating, “Federal Hocking consistently seeks to expand CCP opportunities for their students. They are highly student-focused and dedicated to providing the best possible options, always open to innovative and creative course offerings.”
Wright shares that the biggest advantage of WSCO and Federal Hocking’s partnership is the flexibility in course delivery as students can choose from multiple pathways to earn their college credit, such as taking CCP classes on Federal Hocking’s campus, online, or on WSCO’s campus. “The on-campus courses at our school provide a familiar learning environment while offering rigorous coursework led by qualified instructors. Meanwhile, WSCO’s campus courses allow students to experience a true college setting, fostering independence, time management, and networking with faculty and peers,” says Wright. Wright also adds that the flexibility allows even the busiest students to participate in the program, “Additionally, the availability of online CCP courses ensures that students who require a more flexible schedule—due to extracurricular commitments, work, or transportation limitations—can still participate in the program.”
Federal Hocking currently has 20 students enrolled in CCP courses through WSCO this semester. These students are seizing the opportunity to earn CCP credits, accelerating their college education, or enabling them to enter the workforce sooner. “Many of our students have used their CCP credits to fast-track their college education and enter their degree programs with significant credit hours completed. Some have even earned their associate degrees simultaneously with their high school diplomas, allowing them to enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year university ahead of schedule,” notes Wright.
Wright excitedly shares a success story about a Federal Hocking student who took CCP classes through WSCO and put themselves in a position to finish college sooner. “One notable success story is a recent graduate who participated in CCP courses through WSCO, earning nearly a full year of college credit before graduating high school. This student went on to a four-year university with sophomore standing, saving thousands of dollars in tuition and fees.” Through completing CCP courses at WSCO, the student also gained the confidence to help them feel well-prepared for the academic challenges of college.
Both schools look forward to continuing this partnership as they see its benefits for CCP students. “Overall, the partnership between our school and WSCO has been vital in expanding educational opportunities for our students, helping them achieve their academic and career goals with greater ease and affordability. We look forward to continuing this collaboration and supporting future students as they take advantage of these valuable opportunities,” says Wright.
