Springtime is scheduling season on the hill. You all know those triplicate forms you fill out with your counselors and take home to get signed.

Williamsport has a robust course offering, and the opportunities to branch out really increase for rising juniors and seniors.  Juniors scheduling classes for their senior year have the option of taking dual enrollment math and English courses though a collaboration with the Pennsylvania College of Technology.  These students earn a high school credit while simultaneously earning college credits. The English course taught by Mrs. Spring Moore offers three college credits while the math course offers six. This year-long math class taught by Mrs. Patti Miller is actually two semester-long college algebra courses.

After choosing one of the PCT offerings, students must pass a math and/or reading placement exam in order to be enrolled in their course of choice senior year. Each spring, Mrs. Eck, who is the official point of contact at the high school for the Penn College dual enrollment program, administers these exams for interested students. Any student who attends Penn College after graduation will be earn credits toward their degree with these courses.  The credits do transfer to other universities in some instances as well. “The English Comp I course transfers to most universities for students. For the math courses, it depends on the university,” Mrs. Eck explained.

Ian Sykes is taking both the math and English courses next year. He plans to attend Penn State after high school to study psychology. “I like psychology,” he said. “I can’t really see myself studying anything else.”

Charlize Smith also plans to take both math and English dual enrollment courses next year. “My plan is to go to Shippensburg University and study business and accounting,” Smith said.

Griffin Vollman, who plans to study robotics and automation at Penn College in the fall, explained, “I was able to take courses in high school that will put me ahead of my peers when I start college.”