Programs for High School Students
The college offers a variety of programs for current and graduating high school students including:
JAMES W. ROUSE SCHOLARS PROGRAM – The James W. Rouse Scholars Program is a highly selective, challenging honors and leadership learning community designed for transfer to distinguished four-year colleges and universities at the end of the sophomore year. The program combines academic opportunities, development of leadership skills, mentorships, service learning, cultural and recreational experiences and travel opportunities, including study abroad. Rouse Scholars and program faculty and staff work closely with transfer institutions. A number of scholarships are specifically designated for this program. Admission to the program is competitive based on grades, college entrance exam scores, course selection, intellectual interests, extracurricular activities, recommendations, and other indicators of academic excellence and leadership potential. (Some applicants may also be requested to take the college’s English placement exam.) In certain circumstances, consideration will be given to students for whom traditional indicators of success are not always valid.
STEM SCHOLARS PROGRAM – The STEM Scholars Program is a highly selective and challenging honors learning community for students interested in pursuing majors in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and wish to transfer to four-year colleges and universities at the end of their sophomore year. This program will combine academic research opportunities, mentorships, service learning, leadership opportunities and cultural experiences to provide students with a challenging academic program to prepare for transfer. Admission to this program is competitive based on academic performance, intellectual interests, test scores, letters of recommendation, an essay and other indicators of academic excellence and leadership potential.
SILAS CRAFT COLLEGIANS PROGRAM – The Silas Craft Collegians Program is designed for recent high school graduates whose past academic performance does not reflect their true potential. The program maximizes academic achievement, graduation, and transfer. Program features include a customized curriculum that prepares students for transfer and for their chosen career, skills assessment and development, academic support, mentoring, and various extracurricular, enrichment, and travel experiences. A number of scholarships specifically designated for this program are available. Admission is selective and is based upon academic potential, motivation, and specific English and math skill levels.
FRESHMAN FOCUS PROGRAM – Early preparation is directly related to college success and achievement of academic, transfer, career and graduation goals. The Freshman Focus Program is an award winning program designed specifically for graduating high school seniors who are Howard Community College’s incoming freshmen. The program provides opportunities to be tested, advised, and registered early, prior to the hectic pace and more limited course selection and availability of general registration. Added emphasis is placed on assisting students in paying for college and preparing for specific majors with unique requirements, such as nursing, allied health, business, STEM, teacher education, and others. Students taking advantage of this program complete the college registration process prior to high school graduation and prior to all new students. They also benefit from the program’s excellent record of fostering academic success.
EARLY ENTRANCE PROGRAM – Enrollment opportunities in credit coursework are available for high school students throughout the year under certain circumstances. These opportunities include dual enrollment, early admission, and summer enrollment. Special enrollment conditions apply based upon state law, public and private school regulations, and college policies.
High school students in their junior or senior year may participate in dual enrollment programs through the Early Entrance program. The program enables students to plan their high school and HCC schedules at the same time and complete all or most procedures, including application, testing, and registration, well in advance of general registration periods. Howard County Public School System students who wish to participate in dual enrollment will receive discounted tuition rates. Howard County Public School students who are approved by their high school counselor may also receive credit towards their high school diploma as well as towards their college degree. Private school students may have to fulfill private school requirements to participate. Additional procedures apply for students in the eighth through tenth grades. (See High School Students policy for information.) Different requirements exist for participation in Continuing Education (noncredit) classes. Generally, students must be 18 years of age or older to participate in noncredit courses with the exception of HCC’s Kids On Campus program and selected other programming.
The college reserves the right to grant admission to secondary school students on an individual basis. More information about programs and admissions policies and procedures for current and graduating high school students is available in Admissions Policies and Procedures. For further information, please contact 443-518-4599 or admissions@howardcc.edu. Information is also available on the college website at howardcc.edu/admissions.