College Credits for High School Students
Earn College Credit While You’re Still in High School
Eastern Maine Community College has several options for high school students who want to get a jump on their college education.
Through the Maine Aspirations program, qualified high school students in Maine can take for-credit college courses tuition-free at EMCC and other participating colleges.
Eastern Maine Community College works in collaboration with high school guidance offices for the selection of courses, and offers three options: Dual Enrollment, Concurrent Enrollment, and Embark.
1. Dual Enrollment (DEP) courses allow high school students (usually sophomores, juniors and seniors) to enroll in college courses for credit prior to high school graduation. College credits earned though dual enrollment can be simultaneously applied toward high school and college graduation, and can be transferred to other colleges or universities. Dual enrollment students take regularly scheduled classes either in person or online in heterogeneous environments.
2. Concurrent Enrollment (CEP) refers to a program in which students earn both high school and college credit for college approved courses which are normally offered at the high school site and taught by college-approved high school instructors during the regular high school day. A concurrent enrollment course at the high school uses the same syllabi and curriculum, and equivalent text book and assessment/tests as other sections of the same course, which are approved by the department chair of the College.
3. Embark is a Maine Community College System program that serves Maine students who are most likely to need additional support negotiating the financial, academic, and cultural challenges of college admission and matriculation. High school juniors and seniors receive individual guidance through the college application process; those students selected for the scholarship then continue to meet with their Embark advisor on the College campus. The program typically serves over 1800 students in a given year statewide.
How Many Credits Can I Earn?
- Earn up to 18 college credits tuition-free across the community college and university systems.
- If enrolled in an approved CTE program, access an additional 6 credits on your career pathway, for a total of up to 24 tuition-free credits.
Tuition and fees are covered. Students are responsible for the cost of textbooks and course materials.
Where and How Can I Take Classes?
On Course for College
Take college classes:
- On EMCC’s Bangor campus
- At one of our outreach centers
- Online with EMCC faculty
Join other college students and experience how college may differ from high school.
On Course at School
Take EMCC courses at your high school or CTE center, taught by qualified high school or CTE faculty as part of your regular school schedule. This option lets you earn college credit without traveling to campus and learn with familiar instructors in a fully supported environment.
How Do I Get Started?
- Talk to your school counselor or CTE advisor about your interests and eligibility.
- Search and apply for courses through the OnCourse application portal:
http://oncourse.mccs.me.edu - New to OnCourse? Use the “Steps to On Course Enrollment” guide on the portal to create your first account and complete your registration.
Questions?
Contact:
emccacademicaffairs@mainecc.edu