High School to College

On Course for College

On Course for College offers high school students several pathways to earn college credit while still in high school, including dual enrollment, concurrent enrollment, articulated credit, and defined programs of study. Many of these opportunities are funded in part or fully by the College and its secondary partners.

Under the auspices of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act of 2018, NMCC works in partnership with Maine’s CTE regions and centers, their sending schools, business and industry, and communities to prepare students for success in the workplace or at the next level of learning.

Students who participate in On Course for College activities while still in high school could gain the following advantages:

transferable college credits awarded for free or at a significantly reduced cost to the student;
less duplication of coursework at high school and college;
advanced standing in his/her program of study;
a more efficient and effective transition from high school to college.

Interested students should check with their high school guidance counselor, local CTE school, or contact Jennifer Donohue at the On Course for College office at 207-760-1198 for more information.

Dual Enrollment

This program, funded by the Maine Department of Education High School Aspirations Program, the Maine Community College System and the College, enables qualified Maine high school students to receive a full tuition waiver at NMCC for up to twelve (12) credits each school year. This applies to courses taken while simultaneously enrolled in a Maine high school. Dual Enrollment allows students to get an early glimpse of what a college course entails, allows them to explore a certain program or area of interest while still in high school, and can help instill confidence for success at the college-level. Credits earned through dual enrollment (with a passing grade of C or higher) can be applied toward a degree or certificate at NMCC or be transferred to another post-secondary institution (acceptance of transfer credits is at the sole discretion of the receiving institution).

No more than twelve (12) credits per school year (inclusive of all courses taken for college credit at any post-secondary institution during an academic year).
Maine high school students (including homeschooled students) with school counselor approval.
Parent or guardian’s consent.
Students under the age of 18 must have a Minor Release form on file at NMCC.
Not to be used in conjunction with or as a replacement for any other tuition reduction program (except as stated above currently available for Maine high school students (e.g. early admission, Bridge, etc.).
Student must satisfy all course prerequisite conditions, which may include completion of Accuplacer testing, and must adhere to all college rules and regulations, including attendance requirements.
Students and/or their families are responsible for costs including tuition (if class credit hours exceed program maximum), books, supplies and/or other related expenses.
Withdrawal from or failure to complete the course may void the waiver.
Students who do not successfully complete a dual enrollment course cannot repeat that college course while in high school or register for any additional dual enrollment courses.

Funds and course space are limited and are available on a first-come, first-qualified, first-served basis. Interested students should contact their high school guidance counselor to complete the registration process.

Concurrent Enrollment

NMCC has partnered with several Career and Technical Education (CTE) centers throughout the State of Maine to offer college-level courses during normal school hours. Course offerings vary by location, but may include Intro to Welding, Medical Terminology, Intro to Business, Principles of Accounting, and more! All concurrent enrollment courses are taught by qualified CTE instructors with the College’s syllabus and materials. Students earn both high school and college credit for their work. Credits earned through concurrent enrollment will apply toward a degree at NMCC or can be transferred to another post-secondary institution (acceptance of transfer credits is at the sole discretion of the receiving institution). Interested students should check with their regional CTE center or guidance counselor to see what concurrent enrollment options are available.

Embark

Embark is a high school-to-college transition program designed to help high school students who are undecided about their future learn more about their college options. Embark offers students individualized encouragement and guidance through the college admissions process and personalized financial aid support in their senior year.

Embark students who do choose to attend a Maine community college are then eligible for a two year scholarship and continued personalized support and guidance in college. High schools select students to participate in their junior year and then nominate seniors for the scholarship opportunity. The program is offered in over 80 high schools statewide. For more information, ask your high school guidance counselor or visit embark@mccs.me.edu

Embark staff serving the Northern Maine Community College region:

Jennifer Donohue, Embark Scholarship Advisor
NMCC: 207-760-1198