Collin College has offered classes to Allen High School students since 1985. They provide multiple different classes such as Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) and the Associates Degree Program. These classes offer many opportunities for students that choose to join.
“[Students] receive high school and college credit at the same time, so it’s a great benefit for costs,” Dual Credit Advisor of Collin Community College Jodi Boyd said.
Students who choose these courses get hands-on experience in the pathway they go down. This means that students get the opportunity to experience what it’s like to have their pathway as an actual job.
“Last year, I took one dual credit class called Certified Nursing Aide and it was really helpful because I was able to get a certification,” senior Diya Modi said. “This year I’m doing PCT which is Patient Care Technician so by the end oft he year I’ll hopefully be certified in EK Chain Flibodiamen which is going to help me gain clinical experience cause I want to do medical in the future.”
Collin College has worked hard to make sure that students have full benefits to being prepared for the future.
“The students in the associate degree pathway actually graduate from Collin College before they graduate from high school with their diploma,” AHS Dual Credit Advisor Mary Beth said.
Students are given expectations they practice to uphold before they go into college.
“The students that take the Dual Credit classes are exposed to college level coursework [and] expectations prior to attending college,” AHS Dual Credit Advisor Mary Beth said. “So this helps with transitioning from high school atmosphere to a college atmosphere and so they have a better idea to expect once they get onto a big campus.”
Students from each grade level are welcome to join the Associates Degree pathway. However, they must take the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) exam before joining the program.
“[I’ve enjoyed the program because] the people there you click with them easily, you make group chats with them, they help you with homework and overall it’s easier,” sophomore Feven Teklu said.
