Dual-Enrolled Student Among SkillsUSA Gold Medalists

Among high school students who earned gold medals in the recent SkillsUSA Pennsylvania Leadership and Skills Conference was Lycoming Career and Technology Center senior Jordan Hill, who is also enrolled in early childhood education courses at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

Hill's gold-medal finish in the Preschool Teaching Assistant category advances her to nationals, scheduled for June 22-28 in Kansas City, Mo. She is competing as part of Lycoming Career and Technology Center's SkillsUSA team.

Hill, a Hughesville High School student, is enrolled both in the early childhood education program at Lycoming Career and Technology Center and in Penn College's technical education dual-enrollment program in early childhood education.

Each year, the top students from Lycoming Career and Technology Center's early childhood program are invited to participate in the dual-enrollment program at Penn College. Through the program, the 12th-grade students travel to the college to take two classes one in each semester alongside fully enrolled Penn College students. This year, both Hill and Keillianne Roberts are participating. They are sponsored by LycoCTC.

The students in this program receive college credit for the courses they take, and their grades become part of their college transcript.

"I chose to participate in this program because it was the best choice to make in my situation," Hill said. "As a senior in high school, I knew that taking classes at Penn College would give me an advantage as a future college freshman. I know the professors, I know the campus, and I have started friendships at Penn College, and these three aspects will help me as I enter Penn College in the fall."

Not only will having six credits toward her degree already completed when she enrolls in August help save money on tuition next year, but Hill said the program has also given her a head start in other ways.

"Secondly, I have a taste of college life," she said. "I know in high school what to expect next school year. I know the course load, and I know how to prepare for exams, presentations and papers. Lastly, I know the professors in the early childhood education department, and they have guided me this past year toward a successful future here at Penn College."

"The dual-enrollment option provides students with the opportunity to share ideas immediately between the two programs, a wonderful benefit to both," said Nancy A. Grausam, assistant professor of education and early childhood education. "Because of their concurrent and high school experiences, they appear to develop confidence and a more comprehensive understanding of concepts than the traditional student entering as a high school graduate."

For more information about Lycoming Career and Technology Center, visit online .

Penn College's dual-enrollment programs are facilitated through its Outreach for K-12 Office. To learn more about the programs, visit on the Web or call (570) 320-8003.

For more information about early childhood education and other academic programs offered by the School of Integrated Studies at Penn College, visit online or call (570) 327-4521.