By Finnley Amos
Reporter
For most, thinking about college is a headache.
Thankfully, Richmond High School is implementing a useful program, the Indiana College Core, for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year that may help ease the worries some have about the transition to college and provide them with a significant head start.
“This program, the Indiana College Core, or ‘ICC,’ is a block of 30 credit hours of college-level coursework commonly found in general education programs,” explained Kyle Wright, head of the ICC program at IU East. “Students can complete 30 credit hours - the equivalent of one year of college courses – before they graduate from high school.”
Through this program, RHS students will be able to take college-level classes from the safety of their own high school classrooms, and have each passed class count towards the greater goal of 30 credit hours. However, you will have to pass the class or the AP test to earn said credits.
“To complete the program, half of the credits must be earned through IU. So, it is a combination of dual credit (ACP) and AP scores to get the necessary hours,” said RHS associate principal Laura Brazil.
The ICC is an incredible opportunity for students who are looking to jumpstart their college career.
Although it sounds like a lot of time and effort, the benefits are generous. Not only will it show colleges the amount of work put into your completed classes, it also guarantees your entrance as a sophomore.
“Those who complete the ICC are guaranteed to have a one-year head start on their college career,” Wright said. “A student can do many things with this one-year head start. They could take a year to study overseas - and still finish their undergraduate degree in four years. They could take a year to take part in an internship - and still finish their undergraduate degree in four years. Or, a student could choose to complete their undergraduate degree in three years, saving a year of college expenses and getting a head start on a graduate degree.”
With the completion of the certificate, students will be able to apply to any in-state college and, with an acceptance, begin their studies as a sophomore. Out-of-state colleges are likely to accept some of the completed credits if you apply, but not all.
Another major advantage is the significantly reduced cost that students can earn those valuable undergraduate college credits.
“It’s beneficial because you can knock out core requirements in high school, and then go on to take more classes you’re interested in in college. This allows for more flexibility with your major in college, and it also saves a lot of time and money. Dual credits are also free now, while they used to be $25,” said Brazil.
To any students who are interested in the opportunities listed above, then this program may be right for you. See Mrs. Brazil if you have any questions about the ICC and how to prepare for it.
