Early College Scholars

Background Information

Purpose: The Early College Scholars program allows and encourages eligible high school seniors to complete their high school diploma and concurrently earn at least 15 hours of transferable credits toward a college degree, resulting in a more productive senior year and reducing the amount of college tuition for families.

Target Audience: Advanced-level juniors and seniors who are prepared and interested in accelerating their coursework toward a college degree are encouraged to enroll in the Early College Scholar program.

Brief Description: The Early College Scholars program consists of a Governor's Early College Scholars Agreement — the focus of the program — and other components that provide students the structure and support required to accelerate earning college credits at reduced cost.

  • The Governor's Early College Scholars Agreement will be signed by participating students, their parents/guardians, and the high school principal and guidance counselor. The Agreement sets forth suggested criteria for enrolling students in the program and the expectations and responsibilities of all parties in meeting the terms of the Agreement. A student who signs an Agreement to participate in the Early College Scholars program and who graduates from high school and completes all the terms of the Agreement will be recognized as an Early College Scholar and receive a Governor's certificate of recognition.
  • Students who participate in the Early College Scholars program can enroll in the Governor's Virtual Advanced Placement School and will have tuition and AP examination fees reimbursed by the Department of Education for any Virtual Advanced Placement School course taken.
Eligibility Criteria: Encouraging and selecting students to participate in the Early College Scholars program is an important function of parents, principals, teachers, and guidance counselors. Students should:
  • Have a B average or better
  • Be pursuing an Advanced Studies Diploma
  • Be completing or have completed college level course work (i.e., Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge, or dual enrollment) that will earn at least 15 transferable college credits