MARIETTA— Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO) partners with 29 high schools through its College Credit Plus (CCP) program. In celebration of CCP Month, WSCO is proud to spotlight Fort Frye High School as an outstanding partner, recognizing the school’s long-standing commitment to expanding college access and opportunity for its students.
Fort Frye has been a dual enrollment partner with WSCO since the 2012–2013 academic year. Debbie Gurtis, Partnership Coordinator at WSCO, has worked with Fort Frye throughout the duration of their collaboration.
“Fort Frye has always been incredibly student-focused and forward-thinking,” says Gurtis. “They are constantly looking for new and creative ways to expand opportunities for their students. They even have a dedicated space in their building where CCP students can go to work on their college coursework, which really shows their commitment to student success.”
That commitment is reflected in student participation. Currently, 129 Fort Frye students are enrolled in CCP courses through WSCO, gaining valuable college experience while still in high school.
Kalleigh Bailey, Graduation Support Specialist at Fort Frye, says the partnership with WSCO plays a key role in supporting students and families by removing financial barriers to higher education. “Through CCP, our students can earn meaningful college credit in a debt-free way, which significantly reduces the overall cost of higher education for families,” Bailey says.
Bailey notes that the program is especially impactful for first-generation college students, who make up a large portion of Fort Frye’s student body. In addition to the financial benefits, students gain academic confidence and a clearer sense of direction for their futures. Fort Frye students who participate in CCP are exposed to a variety of academic and career pathways through WSCO, helping them make informed decisions about their goals after high school. Former students frequently report feeling well prepared for postsecondary coursework at colleges and universities across the states and nation because they were already familiar with the pace and expectations of college-level classes.
Fort Frye students can take CCP courses both at their high school and through WSCO, providing flexibility that meets a wide range of student needs. Courses offered at Fort Frye allow students to experience college-level work in a familiar environment, easing the transition while helping them build independence, time management, and self-advocacy skills. At the same time, the ability to take courses online or on WSCO’s campus further expands access and opportunity.
The long-term impact of CCP is noticeable in Fort Frye graduates. Many students enter college with a significant number of credits already completed, allowing them to shorten the time required to earn a degree, enter the workforce sooner, and reduce or even eliminate student loan debt. Some graduates have completed bachelor’s degrees in as little as one to three years thanks to the head start they received through CCP.
Bailey says the program also shifts students’ perspectives on higher education. “CCP helps students see postsecondary education as a more manageable step toward their careers rather than a lengthy and costly commitment,” she explains. “Because they’ve already earned credits, many students can take lighter course loads, which gives them more flexibility to work and stay financially secure without taking on additional loans.”
Gurtis says Fort Frye’s strong leadership and advocacy have helped the partnership grow over the years. “Early on, Fort Frye worked with multiple colleges to offer dual enrollment courses,” she says. “But after seeing how our CCP program operated, their school counselor at the time strongly advocated for WSCO to become their sole dual enrollment partner. That level of trust and collaboration has made a lasting difference for students.”
As both institutions look to the future, the partnership continues to expand. Fort Frye currently offers numerous dual enrollment courses with credentialed instructors, along with online options, and there is potential for the school to become an additional WSCO location site in the future.
Overall, both schools remain committed to working together to ensure students have access to meaningful, affordable pathways to college and career success.
Those interested in learning more about WSCO’s CCP program are encouraged to attend an upcoming CCP Information Session on March 4 or March 19 at 6 p.m. For additional details and to register, visit events.wsco.edu.
For over 54 years, Washington State College of Ohio has fueled the community’s future through higher education and workforce training. We work to make a positive impact by providing opportunities for growth. We inspire individual excellence and success by providing dynamic academic programs and pathways for students looking to enrich their lives. For more information about Washington State College of Ohio, visit www.wsco.edu or call 740.374.8716.
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