Schenectady County Community College (SCCC) participated in recent efforts to promote concurrent enrollment during a Day on the Hill sponsored by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP). The day was spent meeting with members of U.S. Congress, and culminated a four-day conference in Washington D.C.

SCCC is an accredited member of the NACEP organization, which oversees concurrent enrollment programs across the country. SCCC's concurrent enrollment program, University in the High School, offers high school students the opportunity to earn college credit through approved courses taught in their high schools, as part of their normal school day. The University in the High School program at SCCC is one of only a few accredited programs in the country and the only accredited program in the Capital Region. SCCC was recognized during the conference for its accredited standing within the organization. This fall, nearly 1,000 students registered for college credits through SCCC's program.

While at the October conference, Sandra Gonzalez (right), who coordinates the University in the High School program at SCCC, attended workshops on best practices, instructor training, and institutional research, among others. As a member of the Accreditation Committee for the organization, she also worked on a framework for clarifying standards and future expectations for all accredited concurrent enrollment programs. Previously, she has worked on the group's Communication Committee, playing a role in developing informational publications about NACEP and concurrent enrollment.

Gonzalez met with James Glenn, a legislative aide for Congressman Michael McNulty (left), to discuss the impact concurrent enrollment has had on students and families throughout the 21st Congressional District, and the importance of including provisions supporting concurrent enrollment in future educational legislation. Joining them was Connie Vincent of Utah Valley State College, who represented NACEP in reviewing the NACEP platform.

Schenectady County Community College is proud of its leadership role in promoting quality concurrent enrollment programs throughout the United States, and believes that its relationship with NACEP further strengthens SCCC's commitment to follow national standards of excellence.

This fall, nearly 1,000 students in 16 area high schools registered for college credits through SCCC's Univeristy in the High School program. These students will have a jump start on their college careers after they graduate from high school, saving time and money in their future college careers.