Ohio Hi-Point/Graham Satellite launches College in the Classroom opportunities

Saint Paris – The Ohio Hi-Point Career Center/Graham High School Business Satellite programs are now offering students the opportunity to earn college credits while enrolled in high school.  The program called “College in the Classroom” is a partnership with Clark State Community College and allows students to obtain college credit at a reduced rate per credit hour.  Unlike post-secondary options, students do not have to qualify.  They will receive the grade at the college that they earn at the high school.
    “This is a wonderful opportunity for students to experience college-level classes in a high school environment.  I’m so proud of all the students who take the steps necessary to advance their education,” said Donna Atkinson, who oversees the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center Business Satellite programming hosted at Graham High School. “With the workforce being so competitive and job scarce, this is something that might give our students the edge over their competition and hopefully get them started on a path to life-long learning and a rewarding career.”
    Classes students can earn college credits in include Business Foundations I and II, Financial Services I and II, principles of business, business economics and principles of marketing. 
    Atkinson worked closely with Clark State Community College in making the program available and worked with the College to become an adjunct instructor. 
    “I wanted to raise the students’ aspirations and find ways to motivate students into more rigorous courses.  This will allow students to accelerate their college education.   This is also an opportunity to collaborate with professors and enrich my own skills along with the skills of the students.  Professors and staff at Clark State have been very helpful with the transition,” offered Atkinson.
    For students, it offers the chance to get a jumpstart in preparation for college, but also will give them and their families a chance to save money on college tuition costs since the classes are offered at a greatly reduced rate.
    “If students plan early, starting their freshman year, they will earn save quite a bit of money otherwise spent on the cost of tuition and books along with time spent in a classroom,” said Atkinson.
    For more information on “College in the Classroom” or the business Satellites offered by Ohio Hi-Point Career Center at Graham High School, contact Donna Atkinson at datkinson@ohp.k12.oh.us