CORTLAND, N.Y. (WHCU) – A collaboration between TC3 and the Cortland Enlarged City School District (CECSD) will make it easier for high school students to earn college credits.

The two institutions are developing an Early College High School (ECHS) program, an expansion of its current CollegeNow program, thanks to a $1.175 million grant from the New York State Education Department

The ECHS program is designed to give students traditionally underrepresented in higher education the opportunity to finish high school studies early while simultaneously earning college credits. Officials are hopeful it will lead to higher high school graduation and college completion rates and reduce tuition costs.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to take our partnership to the next level by incorporating pathways for students to explore their interests and identify goals for after high school while getting a jumpstart on their college education,” said TC3 CollegeNow Director Victoria Zeppelin. “A great aspect of the program is that, in addition to taking classes at their high school, students will come to the TC3 campus for activities and coursework with our faculty and staff.”

The program will be offered this coming fall for incoming high school freshman.