Earn College Credit in High School
There are several programs available to help Montana's high school students earn college credit while still in high school. A brief description of each is included. For more detailed information on how you can participate, contact your school's career counselor or for homeschoolers, contact your homeschool group or the schools directly.
ADVANCE/The New Tech Prep in Montana
ADVANCE/Tech Prep is a program of study that begins in high school, continues at a postsecondary institution and culminates in an associate degree, certificate, apprenticeship or further postsecondary study in a career field within a variety of career interest areas.
Tech Prep credits are earned through a process of articulation. Articulation is a cooperative effort between Montana's high schools, linking them with certificate, diploma and associate degree programs. This process of articulation enables students to receive postsecondary credit for skills mastered in high school. To be eligible for Tech Prep credits, a student must earn a "B" or better in an articulated class and enroll in a participating college within two years of high school graduation.
Dual Credit
This program allows students to take college level classes and receive both college and high school credit for the same course. Each high school must enter into an agreement with the college providing the course. Contact your school's career counselor to see if this program is available at your school.
Advanced Learning
Students in the Helena area can benefit from Carroll College's Advanced Learning program, which enables high school students to take college classes on campus. Students may take up to 6 credits each semester. For more information on this program, contact Carroll College at 406-447-4300.
