Look into ways for your student to earn college credits while in high school. This movement, known as dual enrollment, gives high school kids the opportunity to earn credits for college before they apply and enroll. Examples of ways to get these credits include Advance Placement classes and exams, as well as programs that put high school students in a college classroom to see what it takes to succeed.

Dual enrollment works. Students who gain college credits while in high school perform better in college, graduate more quickly, and arrive on campus ready to learn.

Some of the ways to earn college credit include:

1. Early colleges: The state of Michigan has launched early colleges – programs where high school kids come to campus to earn credits while on campus. EMU’s Early College Alliance focuses on health care careers, and is for high school students in Ypsilanti, Milan, Whitmore Lake and Lincoln Consolidated Schools. Click here for details.

2. Advanced placement: High schools offer AP classes that, if the student scores high enough on a test, can lead to college credits. Get the details at this link.

3. Dual enrollment: The state of Michigan provides ways for advanced high school student to take courses at colleges. Click here for details.