HCPSS, HCC Achieve Top Tier State Ranking for Dual Enrollment Participation

January 19th, 2021

Note: This release is being distributed jointly between the Howard County Public School System and Howard Community College.

Student participation in dual enrollment courses (known as JumpStart) offered in collaboration between the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) and Howard Community College (HCC) has increased to 1,798 students, giving Howard County the distinction of the second-highest ranking among Maryland counties. Students enrolled in more than 2,800 courses for college credit during the fall 2020 semester.

Dual enrollment allows students to earn college credit while still in high school. Increasing participation in the program has been a priority for both HCPSS and HCC, which have worked collaboratively to provide access to higher education opportunities to all students.

The dual enrollment partnership was first introduced in fall 2013 with 82 students participating. In the fall of 2018, HCC and HCPSS branded the program as JumpStart and added 60-credit, 30-credit, and flexible programs at Oakland Mills and River Hill high schools through a combination of HCC and HCPSS based courses. During the 2020 spring semester, 1,563 students were enrolled in dual enrollment courses, increasing to 1,798 for the fall 2020 semester.

“I am incredibly proud of the thousands of HCPSS students who have pushed themselves to engage in these rigorous dual enrollment courses, gaining valuable skills and experience to prepare them for future success,” said HCPSS Superintendent Dr. Michael J. Martirano. “I am grateful to our school staff and counselors as well as staff in the Office of Dual Enrollment who collaborate with our partner, Howard Community College, to connect more and more students to the wonderful opportunities associated with dual enrollment each semester.”

“I applaud the dedication of the countless HCC faculty and staff who have worked to build a strong dual enrollment partnership with HCPSS on behalf of Howard County families,” said Dr. Kathleen Hetherington, HCC president. “Dual enrollment is an outstanding benefit for students to advance their education, save money, and start on their future pathway to success.”

Additionally, data points to the positive influence of dual enrollment participation on high school attendance, especially among students who participate for a second year.

Further data indicates a direct correlation between participation in dual enrollment opportunities and postsecondary readiness. By the end of Grade 11, at least 95% of dual enrollment participants met the criteria for readiness for postsecondary success defined by the Maryland Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), compared to 47% of same-grade peers who did not participate in dual enrollment courses. Similarly, by the end of Grade 12, at least 95% of dual enrollment participants met postsecondary success readiness criteria, compared to 66% of same-grade peers who did not participate.

The JumpStart dual enrollment program is a partnership between HCPSS and HCC to expand options for students to gain college credits, explore possible careers, or earn an associate degree. In addition to selected courses offered at HCPSS schools, many introductory and advanced courses in the arts and humanities, business, and social sciences, math, world languages, science and technology may be taken at HCC. More than 100 of these fulfill high school graduation requirements while earning college credit.

All JumpStart students are able to earn college credit at 50% off HCC’s tuition cost. Students receiving Free or Reduced-price Meal services (FARMs) have no tuition costs and are only responsible for covering fees and books.

The spring semester starts at HCC on January 30. Students and families interested in participating in dual enrollment are encouraged to reach out to jumpstart@hcpss.org, jumpstart@howardcc.edu or connect with their school counselor for assistance.

More information about JumpStart dual enrollment is available on the HCPSS website at hcpss.org/jumpstart or on the HCC website at howardcc.edu/dualenrollment.

Contacts:
Howard County Public School System
Brian Bassett, Senior Communication Strategist/Media Relations
410-313-1505

Howard Community College
Elizabeth S. Homan, Executive Director of Public Relations and Marketing
443-537-8227