Dual Credit is a program that allows high school students to enroll in college classes and earn credit towards high school graduation and a college degree. There are several different dual credit programs in Hawai‘i that academically qualified high school students can participate in. The two most common dual credit programs are Early College and Running Start. For more information about dual credit programs in Hawai’i, please visit the Dual Credit website.
Pilot Projects
Early College 2.0:
Hawai‘i P-20 is partnering with Hawai‘i CC to launch Kealakehe High School’s first Automotive Mechanics Technology (AMT) Early College program. A two-year cohort program, students interested in working with automobiles have the opportunity to earn up to 36 college credits prior to their high school graduation. These credits will apply to both students’ high school diploma and Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree at Hawai‘i CC. The goal of the AMT Early College program is to make college accessible and prepare students with the certifications and experiences necessary for a high demand career in the Kona area. The curriculum of the AMT Early College program is accelerated, college-level and rigorous; as such, students will be provided with the academic and social/emotional support necessary to be successful.
ECMC online Early College:
To reduce barriers to access for students in rural/remote areas of the state, Hawai’i P-20, with funding received from ECMC Foundation, is currently working with two University of Hawai’i campuses: Kaua’i Community College and UH Maui College and three HIDOE high schools: Lana’i High & Elementary School, Moloka’i High School, and Waimea High School to offer online Early College classes and build a recommended model for online Early College programs, including academic or other other support for student success.