Alexis DeLong
managing editor
Butler CC offers the Early College Academy (ECA) program, designed to help high school juniors and seniors with the college learning environment. The ECA allows high students to earn college credits while still in high school. Through this program, high school students have the opportunity to complete their high school education while also earning an associate’s degree.
According to the Butler CC website, their mission states, “Butler Community College inspires and prepares students for lifetime success through inclusive, innovative, affordable, quality education while advancing community vitality.”
Christy Streeter, associate dean of online, high school and community learning, believes that one of the ways to fulfill Butler CC’s mission is to offer college courses to local high school students.
While this academy is offered to high school students, there are certain requirements students have to meet to qualify for the ECA. There are also certain pathways students have to choose from.
“Students must meet entrance requirements specific to the academy pathway that they choose – this is determined by high school GPA and testing,” Streeter said. “Additionally, academy staff reviews high school attendance and 3 personal references prior to acceptance into the academy.”
Upon meeting these requirements, students move to a straightforward application process, with steps such as completing an interest form, applying to Butler CC, providing transcripts for program eligibility assessment and taking a placement test then lastly an interview.
Participating in the ECA has many benefits. Students save money because they can take classes for free or at reduced costs. They also have access to special scholarships and opportunities that are only available to academy students.
“Our program cost varies from $1,100- $3,600 for a one year certificate and $3,700 – $8,100 depending on which two year degree they select,” Streeler said. “There are Academy specific scholarships available to these students, but since high school students do not qualify for federal financial aid, most families utilize payment plans.”
Balancing high school work and extracurricular activities can be challenging, but adding college courses on top of that can get even tricker.
Chase Pond, a junior at Circle High School, and is currenting involved in the ECA program, with a focus in health sciences as her chosen pathway.
“I’ve been seeking a higher challenge for my education and figured this would give me a head start in my future, while also giving me a good challenge,” Pond said. “[The struggles I have are] managing my schedule for classes, as well as the assignments. Along with trying to balance homework from both schools, pursue extracurriculars and maintain home/social life.”
Pond believes there are many advantages to being part of the ECA. She thinks there are educational challenges, opportunities to become more effective with time management, as well as expanding students’ knowledge and giving students a head start on their future.
Heidi Skaer will join the ECA as part of the liberal arts pathway in the fall. Skaer is currently a sophomore at Augusta High School.
“I decided to join the Early College Academy because I have known for a while that I wanted to be a lawyer,” Skaer said. “I wanted to get a head start on college because I am going to have to go through law school.”
Skaer will be on the track to graduate high school with two diplomas: her high school diploma, and her associate’s degree.
“An advantage [of the ECA] is being surrounded by people who are motivated with the same goals,” Skaer said.
Butler Lantern 