Typically students don’t think about college until their junior or even senior year, but HHS allows students to apply to an Early College Program through Saint Louis Community College (STLCC). HHS has three students accepted into the program this year, sophomore Jordan Harvey and Corrinne DeWitt, as well as junior Jason Rajsombath.
This program saves time and money for students that apply. HHS Counselor Ginger Steinhauff said, “You basically get to kill two birds with one stone by attaining your Associates degree and your high school diploma at the same time.”
The students are considered full time college students and are able to experience new opportunities that college freshmen do, just at an earlier age.
“As long as your meet the requirements of a 3.0 GPA, passing scores on the ACCUPLACER Exam through STLCC, two recommendations from teachers, 500 word essay, and a mandatory part / guardian meeting. Other than that all you really need is to have a good work ethic, maturity and dedication,” Steinhauff said.
STLCC program offers an opportunity to start college early while in high school. Dewitt said, “I enrolled because I wanted a challenge and a head start in life.”
STLCC held an orientation on April 19th for incoming students that were enrolled into the program. DeWitt attended orientation along with Steinhauff, Harvey, and Rajsombath and a few acceptances from Bayless High School.
You truly never know what to expect when attending an orientation there are many emotions and expectations. Orientation was shorter than DeWitt expected it to be.
The students received a tour of the campus and were able to imagine their future. “The campus looks awesome, they’re very organized,” DeWitt said. She pointed to the large pieces of artworks they have on the walls, “they were beautiful.”
There can be many exciting things about enrolling and starting something completely different, harder, something you’ve never done before. But, DeWitt is ready to take on the challenge. “I’m ready to leave high school early and start a new chapter in my life.”
