New partnership helps D91 high school students earn college credits

IDAHO FALLS — A new partnership with the College of Eastern Idaho will allow students in the Idaho Falls School District 91 to earn a year’s worth of college credits while still in high school.

Starting in January, high school juniors and seniors in the district can apply for the “Jumpstart College Program,” which allows participants to earn up to 36 credits, or a year’s worth of college coursework, before graduating from high school.

“We are excited about being the first school district to partner with College of Eastern Idaho to expand opportunities for our students,” said Sarah Sanders, Idaho Falls’ Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education.

So-called GEM credits are typically required by colleges and include introductory coursework from across the curriculum, from English and communications to political science.

Credits earned in the program will count toward the district’s graduation requirements and are recognized by all of Idaho’s colleges and universities.

Participants will be able to use state-allocated funds for dual credit courses to complete the program – the $4,125 allocated to every Idaho student in grades 7-12 through the state’s Advanced Opportunities program.

To be accepted into the program, students must have enough high school credits to qualify as a junior in the district. They must also be at least 16 years old during their first semester. Other caveats include:

• Having a 3.0 grade-point average.
• Having good high school attendance.
• Having parent permission.
• Attending CEI’s April orientation and enrolling in CEI courses.

Most of the program’s classes will be offered on CEI’s campus, the district said, so participants must provide their own transportation.

This article was originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on December 17, 2018. It is used here with permission.