Starting this fall, more East Central Indiana high school students will be able to get a head start on their college educations through Ball State.
Currently, Ball State offers college-level courses to Batesville, Hamilton Heights, and Westfield high schools. Once the program is expanded, several more high schools will have the opportunity to enrich their educational resources.
Delta High School plans to offer college-level classes that will be taught at the high school. Before, classes were taught at Ball State.
"It's more accommodating," said Doug Wilder, a guidance counselor at Delta.
Wilder said the new option would be easier for students who can't commute to the university, and it is an added bonus for students who unsure about their post-graduation plans.
"It gives them one more option and that's great," he said. "And why not give them (students) a little jump-start? It's got a lot of pluses."
The only drawback, Wilder said, is determining whether the credit earned will be transferable.
"Our ultimate goal is to get more students involved in higher-level courses," said Stephen Gookins, Delta High School superintendent.
Gookins said Delta is also working with Ivy Tech State College and Indiana Business College to try to start additional programs.
"It's not only an academic opportunity but a way to serve our community as well," Gookins said. "It's all to help the student."
Judy Meer said, "(The program is) working. I like it, and the kids do too."
Meer is the Learning Center Coordinator for Batesville High School of the program.
Batesville has offered college-level courses for 10 years. The program is also open to adults and teachers who want to expand their educations.
"Our students love it," Meer said.
Ball State has been involved with this program for at least 10 years, said Frank Sabatine, dean of the School of Continuing Education.
Public high schools have been getting pressured to beef up their curricula, and have turned to the universities for help, he said.
"The university has a Strategic Plan, and goal six calls for doing more in helping the local economy and community," Sabatine said. "I see this as a direct contribution. We're extending the university out to local communities."
Currently, students can select from 32 courses. A three-hour class is $250, and is offered during the school year and summer during regular class hours, evenings, and Saturdays, according to a university press release.
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