Montgomery County Community College will kick-off the new year with funding to support a pilot program to help students earn college credits while they are still in high school.

The Montco Early College Academy recently received federal funding in the amount of $100,000 through Congresswoman Madeleine Dean’s fiscal year 2023 request for community projects. The funding will sponsor 100 students in Title 1 eligible high schools in Montgomery County to participate in the pilot program during the 2022-2023 academic year.

“Montgomery County Community College provides higher education and opportunity to many students across our region, and I’m delighted to help MCCC advance education access in our communities,” Rep. Dean said. “Far too often students face barriers to the classroom — like the cost of books and supplies, technology, and other essential needs to address food and or home insecurity. This funding will support students facing these obstacles so that they can seize their education and focus on their futures.”

Participating students will take three online classes, a First-Year Experience course that focuses on strategies for college success, followed by an English course and a math course. The model creates customized pathways that can accommodate students who need academic support in preparation for college-level course work as well as the advanced student who desires to take advanced-level college course work.

The funding covers the cost of the three courses, offered by MCCC at a discounted rate of $197 per course, as well as small stipend designated for textbooks. Upon completion of the courses, the students will earn up to 12 college credits and gain experience and confidence in navigating the college environment.

“On behalf of Montgomery County Community College, I am beyond excited and grateful to receive this financial support for our Early College Academy students,” said Tiffany Webber, Executive Director of Educational Partnerships. “Funding initiatives like this, directly help support our mission of increasing accessibility opportunities for post-secondary education.”

The pilot program is the initial phase of a comprehensive Montco Early College Academy. Starting with the College and Career Readiness Academy, high school students will complete gateway courses in English and math and additional course work to develop soft skills for employment, such as communication, problem-solving, technical and information literacies, critical and creative thinking, and respect for diverse perspectives, among others, and prepare for success in a post-secondary college experience without the need for developmental courses.

The Montco Early College Academy will provide students with a head start on their college education and careers while saving substantial money on tuition costs. For more information, email dualenrollment@mc3.edu or call 215-641-6551.