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Irresistible offer: free college credit
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Youngstown Early College student Torri Session shoots video for the school’s online yearbook during an open house Thursday at the school. The open house was part of YEC’s National Early College High Schools Week observance.
By Denise Dick
Youngstown
Ashley Lockhart couldn’t resist the opportunity to earn free college credit.
The Youngstown Early College sophomore plans a career in medical law. YEC allows students to earn college credit while in high school.
“It was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up,” Ashley said.
YEC conducted an open house Thursday showcasing the school, its programs and students as part of the National Early College High School Week observation.
It’s the only school in the city district to earn an excellent designation on the state report card, a rating it has maintained for three years. Its accomplishments exempt it from the academic recovery plan aimed at boosting student achievement across the Youngstown school district.
Students complete the majority of their high school coursework during their freshman and sophomore years and spend their junior and senior years in Youngstown State University classes, earning college credit for free. The credit may be earned either through YSU or Eastern Gateway Community College.
The school is in Fedor Hall at YSU.
Ashley says it’s something eighth-graders preparing for high school should consider.
It allows students to save money, she said.
Dennis Mamone, a teacher at the school, said 85 potential incoming students were interviewed last weekend, and he expects more to apply. YEC is an open-enrollment school, so students from other districts may apply.
Sophomore Gabrianna Suber wants to be a veterinarian in a zoo and said she enrolled in YEC because she likes a challenge.
“The other schools, they didn’t really challenge me,” she said. “Here, I am challenged.”