High school students save big bucks independently enrolling at STC

South Texas College’s Board of Trustees is making it more affordable than ever for high school students to get a head start on their post secondary or college educations. At its April board meeting, the board unanimously voted to offer high school students across Hidalgo and Starr counties the opportunity to enroll in classes for just $50 per credit hour, waiving all other fees. The adjusted tuition rate is effective for the college’s Summer I and III sessions, which start on June 2.

“Our board has a track record of working to expand dual enrollment opportunities because they strongly feel that students who get a head start on college tend to stick with it and succeed,” said Nick Gonzalez, associate dean for high school programs and services at STC. “With this adjusted tuition rate, we are doing our part to continue creating a college-going culture in the Valley. Currently more than 7,000 students take advantage of dual enrollment opportunities from STC and we hope to see that number grow with this news.”

Students enrolled at any public or private high school across Hidalgo and Starr counties can take advantage of the opportunity to independently enroll in STC courses. It is an added benefit to students hoping to take courses at the college that may not be offered through the college’s existing Dual Enrollment Program. Additionally, students can take advantage of the college’s online courses, as well as its three summer sessions and mini-mesters offered throughout the fall and spring semesters.

“What a great move on the part of STC,” said Oscar Rodriguez, Mission CISD Superintendant. “Again, they are being very proactive about removing roadblocks for our students in order that they have fewer and fewer reasons not to go to college. I don’t know what this does to their budget, but it really shows that kids and their futures are higher priorities. I want to commend the STC Board of Trustees, Dr. Reed, and her staff for creating this opportunity for our students and for other community members.”

In addition to traditional high school students, students who are home schooled also have the opportunity to take advantage of the adjusted tuition rate.

“We were thrilled to hear about the opportunity because it will allow our children to get some of their basics out of the way, which will be a big benefit to our family,” said Debi Crouch, a Sharyland resident whose four children are home schooled. “My oldest daughters are 16 and 15, and they have both already met the required hours to graduate at the high school level, and now they are ready for the challenges of college courses like physics. We have been following STC closely to understand its mission and vision, and have found that, although it is a large institution, it feels small and is very community oriented. The plan is that our daughters will start taking classes at STC’s Pecan Campus in fall 2009 and we are confident they will get the foundations they need to succeed at the out-of-state universities they hope to attend later on in their academic careers.”

Students wishing to take advantage of the opportunity will have to meet some requirements, including providing proof of residency or high school enrollment in either Hidalgo or Starr counties. Students will also need to complete an application for admission, submit a current high school transcript, and qualifying test scores from the TAKS, THEA, ACCUPLACER, ACT or SAT tests.

For more information about STC’s adjusted tuition rate for high school students independently enrolling in STC call 872-8311 or visit any STC campus Student Information Center.

Photo caption:

The Crouch Family of Sharyland prepares for home schooled daughter’s Taylor and Cooper to take classes at STC’s Pecan Campus in McAllen in fall 2009. From left are Cooper, Debi and Taylor Crouch.