West Bloomfield Area High School Students Can Earn College Credit

Oakland Schools, in partnership with Oakland Community College, is offering Oakland County school districts, including those serving the greater West Bloomfield area, a new program aimed at helping disadvantaged students start taking college courses while they are still in high school. 

The 3-year Oakland Accelerated College Experience (Oakland ACE) program has students split time between high school classes at their regular high school, and college classes at Oakland Community College. Students apply in the 10th grade and begin taking college classes in grade 11. 

Students take an increasing load of college classes through grade 12, then a full-time college schedule in the required third year of the program. All costs for tuition, fees, and books are covered by the program.

At the end of the three years, students receive their high school diploma and up to 62 college credits (enough for an associates degree) a year ahead of the traditional pace. Graduates can either transfer to a 4-year degree program, or start seeking work in their chosen career.

Students in participating school districts apply through their high school counselor. First-round applications are due in April, with applications to fill any remaining seats accepted into May; more information can be found on the Oakland Schools website: http://tinyurl.com/OaklandACE.

Source: Oakland Schools press release