The affordability of two- and four-year colleges continues to outpace financial realities for communities and their families. Every bit helps as students chart their pathway after high school, especially those seeking a college education. However, there’s some good news! One way that process is being curbed is through the College in the High School program. The program, also known as dual enrollment, provides today’s high school students with the option to earn college credits while completing a specific high school curriculum.
So, if a student is taking a specific approved College in the High School class at Fonda-Fultonville, that credit will go towards a tuition-free credit at Fulton-Montgomery Community College (FMCC). College in the High School is reshaping how students identify new ways to begin preparing for college or university and learning financial stability in the process.
Fonda-Fultonville senior Alexander Pullen-Castillo recently shared his thoughts on the program and its impact on himself and his family. “It’s a much-needed program for students and their families. It’s especially helpful for our family to save money in the process, and it opens a lot of doors for today’s students,” shared Pullen-Castillo. “Now I’m able to take classes that will be free of charge and count towards my degree at FMCC.”
But the opportunities to save on a college education don’t end there. The future is bright for a community-focused student like Alexander. “I plan to study business centering on supply and demand and finances. For several years, I’ve been working with my mom on her food truck “El Cielo,” and the experience has allowed me to get involved in the financial aspect, which has been invaluable. I see myself managing our family business towards expansion, inventing new flavors and menu items, while getting a better grasp of the business world.”