HOUSTON -"Economists assert that 80 percent of today's jobs require post-secondary education or training. Dual Credit gives students the opportunity to earn post-secondary (college) credit while still in high school."

Those were the words of Charles Cook, Ed. D, Houston Community College Vice Chancellor of Educational Development, to area high school counselors and administrators attending a recent breakfast hosted by HCC Southwest at its West Loop Center.

HCC has partnered with school districts within the college's service area to offer the Dual Credit program, which allows qualified high school juniors and seniors to take college-level courses and receive credits towards both high school graduation and a college certificate or degree. Nearly 2,000 students are currently enrolled in dual credit classes through HCC.

The dual credit classes are free to students who live within the HCC District and meet certain academic and application requirements. Out-of-district, dual-credit students pay only the out-of-district fee. All students must purchase and use required textbooks.

Each student passing a dual credit course receives college credit on an HCC transcript which is transferable to colleges and universities the same as if the course were taught at HCC.

Dual credit classes include those academic “core curriculum” courses of academic college programs such as English, American History, U.S. and Texas Government, chemistry, and economics as well as numerous workforce (career and technology) courses, such as digital arts, health sciences and law enforcement, for students interested in specialized skills and faster job entry.

For more information about HCC’s dual credit program, contact Southwest College student recruiter Lynn Herrera at 713-718-7716.