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Media Contact: Maddy Elledge
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Students Take Advantage of Free College Courses Through Young Harris Early College
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga –Young Harris College recently developed the new Young Harris Early College to offer Move On When Ready (MOWR), Georgia’s new dual-enrollment program, courses to local and state-wide high school students,
Funded through the Georgia Student Finance Commission, the MOWR program allows high school students to earn college credit while working towards their high school diploma, and completely covers the cost of tuition, mandatory fees, and required textbooks.
YHEC students have the opportunity to take courses through several free, dynamic deliveries: online, synchronous and on-campus. Participating YHEC students also receive a free tablet to access textbooks and necessary online programs.
Union County High School senior Madison Stroud has been a MOWR student through YHEC for one year. She explained that free college credit is what peaked her interest in MOWR.
“I decided to begin MOWR classes though YHEC because of the obvious benefit of getting credit for courses in both high school and college,” said Stroud. “Because the MOWR program offers college courses that are available at no cost, I have been able to get ahead in college without a huge financial cost.”
Director of Young Harris Early College Christopher Williams emphasized that the benefits YHEC students receive go beyond just the relief of the financial burden college can be.
“I have noticed that YHEC students understand that this is a chance to jump-start their postsecondary education,” said Williams, who advises and provides guidance throughout a students’ participation in YHEC. “Professors even notice that YHEC students tend to be some of the best students because they are learning to balance their time while finishing high school, but at the same time, beginning their next chapter. They are already trying to make a good impression in a collegiate atmosphere.”
Jenna Patterson, a senior at Fannin County High School and a fourth-semester MOWR student, decided to enroll in YHEC courses when she found herself seeking more of an academic challenge.
“My greatest fear when I started MOWR two years ago was having the expectation lowered because I was still technically a high school student,” said Patterson. “But, I find the defining element of this program is that you feel like every other student, and you are never classified as a dual-enrollment student by Young Harris professors because the standards are the same for everyone.”
YHEC offers 1000- and 2000-level courses in English, history, math, music, communication studies, theatre, religion, psychology, economics and sociology.
“After meeting with Mr. Williams, I was confident that Young Harris would give me the college experience that I had been searching for,” said Patterson. “The most appealing part of Young Harris was, and still is, the extensive course offerings and welcoming faculty and staff.”
Young Harris College offers special scholarships for YHEC students who enroll as a freshman at YHC. This tiered scholarship is offered based on earned Young Harris Early College credit hours and is added to other merit-based scholarships earned as a YHC student.
“YHEC classes have prepared me for my future by challenging me. The classes offered are a fast-paced, rigorous alternative to traditional high school courses,” said Stroud. “College-level work requires a good deal of independence, time management, and responsibility. Learning the gist of these skills through YHEC has been fantastic preparation for life in college, the workplace and society,” said Stroud
The College offers two eight-week periods each semester. The next session for the spring semester runs from March 6-April 28, and eSummer runs June 19-Aug. 11.
“To know that you are being pushed to give it your all and are routinely delivering remarkable work at the college level is indescribable,” said Patterson. “For me, it is an absolute dream.”
YHEC courses are offered to any high school junior or senior in the state of Georgia. Students must have a 3.0 grade point average or adhere to the eligibility requirements of their high school.
“As you mature from teenager to adult, you will make many investments,” said Williams. “However, the one investment that will impact you and your family most will be the investment you make in yourself by way of education. The earlier you invest, the better.”
To learn more about YHEC or to enroll today, visit www.yhc.edu/earlycollege.
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private, baccalaureate degree-granting college located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires and empowers students through the highest quality liberal arts education. The College currently has more than 1,100 students across five divisions—Education, Fine Arts, Humanities, Mathematics and Science, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. The historic campus in Young Harris, Ga., has completed major campus improvements to accommodate the College’s growth. Recent LEED-certified campus improvements include the 121,000-square-foot Rollins Campus Center, new residence facilities, and a 57,000-square-foot recreation and fitness center. The College is an active member of NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the prestigious Peach Belt Conference. YHC is among fewer than 300 colleges and universities nationwide named to the 2016-2017 list of Colleges of Distinction and is listed as a “Best National Liberal Arts College” by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
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