Montgomery County Community College hosted Early College Boot Camp at its campuses in Blue Bell and Pottstown recently for high school students and families eager to learn how to get a head start on a college education.

Students and their families, as well as guidance counselors, faculty and other school administrators, were invited to learn more about the Dual Enrollment program, which allows students at least 15 years old to take campus-based or online college classes through MCCC while still in high school. Dual enrollment students can earn undergraduate credits that can be transferred to a four-year college or university.  

Christine Morris, Administrative Director of Educational Partnerships and an organizer of Early College Boot Camp, said the programs at both campuses were incredibly successful.

“Both events were very successful. We had great turnout at both,” she said. “We are really focused on educating the public about the great opportunities offered through Dual Enrollment and the resources available to students.”

"At the end of the day, all that parents, guardians and families want is the best for their children," said Tiffany Webber, Director of High School Programs & Educational Partnerships .  "Initiatives like this help with early exposure and educate families about their options.  I look forward to facilitating even more opportunities like this in the near future."

Early College Boot Camp began with information about the Dual Enrollment program and its benefits. Dual Enrollment gives high school students early exposure, preparation and access to college level courses that are transferable to other colleges and universities. In addition, by earning an associate’s degree from MCCC, students can save as much as $30,000 in tuition before transferring to a four-year institution.

Similarly, according to a study by the American Institutes for Research, college enrollment rates after graduation for Early College students were significantly higher at 63.5% versus 24.3% for traditional students. Early College enrolled students positively impact college degree attainment, indicating 24.9% of the Early College group earned degrees versus 4.7% of traditional students studied. Dual Enrollment students perform as well or better on state assessments than their traditional high school counterparts. The studies also show similar effects on socioeconomically disadvantaged students.

Early College Boot Camp also featured presentations on services available at MCCC, including Financial Aid, student health and wellness, student support programs, Athletics and Student Life, Career Services and Alumni Engagement, and Library services and Academic Support. Dual Enrollment students receive all academic and support services and can participate in all clubs, activities, and Athletics.

The program then held separate presentations for students and families. Students learned about what it’s like to become a Dual Enrollment student, how to transition from being a high school student to first-year college student and resources available to MCCC students. They then took a campus tour and were able to register for the program on site. The program helped students understand the options available.

“Some students don’t know the opportunity exists to them,” said Morris.

Families learned more about the value of a community college education and heard from past and present Dual Enrollment students and their parents to find out about their successes in the program.

“It’s about getting in front of parents to give them a better view of Dual Enrollment,” said Morris. “We’re here to answer any questions they may have along the way.”

For questions or more information about the Early College Boot Camp, contact the Office of Dual Enrollment or call 215-641-6551.