Three high schools will soon be added to the list of local schools partaking in Zane State’s College Credit Plus Program to afford students the opportunity to begin their higher education early.

Starting in the fall 2019 academic year, Zane State College will be expanding its College Credit Plus Program to include Maysville Local Schools, Morgan Local Schools and Noble Local Schools.

College Credit Plus is a program in Ohio that allows eligible students in grades 7 through 12 to dual enroll in college courses to begin working on their higher education before graduating from high school.

With the Ohio College Credit Plus Program, students in those districts will have the opportunity to earn 50 percent or more of a college-level degree during their high school career.

“Zane State College is beyond proud to provide these three high schools the resources needed for additional program completion. High-achieving area high school students, who want a quality college education, now have more options to earning a college degree while in high school,” Dr. Chad Brown, President of Zane State College, said in a media release. “This expansion also lifts financial blockades by providing students and their families a pathway to a debt-free college degree. Our goal is to help the area’s youth build confidence, achieve academic goals, and have positive learning experiences. We look forward to our future collaboration and seeing students succeed.”

The accreditation for the expansion of Zane State’s program was granted by the Higher Learning Commission.

Throughout the 2019 to 2020 academic year, Zane State College Assistant Dean Heather Shepherd and her team of field advisors will present at information sessions at each high school to students, as well as their parents, who are interested in the program.

Shepherd and her team will also work to provide support and communication between the college and high school as needed.

“Zane State College has a 20-year familiarity with providing dual-enrollment education. While we are here to serve the area’s youth, our focus expands to the high school teachers and administration,” Dr. Richard Woodfield, Zane State College Chief Academic Officer and Provost, said in the release. “The College provides direct content support to the College’s adjunct faculty who teach at the high schools. School counselors also have a designated College field advisor who will provide academic advising, planning, and assistance.”