The College Credit Plus (CCP) program, which began in the 2015-2016 school year, now welcomes students grades 7 through 12 to take classes at the Revere campus.

CCP replaced the Postsecondary Enrollment Options Program (PSEOP), which was the former dual credit program legislated by the state of Ohio in 1989. The University of Akron’s Director of CCP Greg Dieringer explained why CCP was created and who it is offered to.

“CCP expanded upon the former PSEO Program to allow eligible students to enroll in college classes to earn both college and high school credit. . . . Eligible students in grades 7-12 may participate in CCP.  To be eligible, students must place college-ready in math, writing or reading based on the college-readiness scores established by the Ohio Department of Higher Education, and they must meet the admission requirements of the college or university [where] they plan to take classes,” Dieringer said.

Dieringer also spoke about how many schools are involved in CCP and how much the program has grown since it started.

“Students from any public or private high school as well as homeschooled students can participate.  The University of Akron’s CCP program has students from approximately 70 different high schools.  The University of Akron’s main Akron campus CCP enrollment is approximately 1,200 students, which is the highest CCP enrollment for any of the 4-year public universities.  The University vvof Akron’s Wayne College campus CCP enrollment is approximately 700 students, which is the highest CCP enrollment for any of the public university regional campuses. . . .  Statewide, there were approximately 54,000 students enrolled in CCP during the 2015-16 school year, and more than 68,000 students during the 2016-17 school year. The University of Akron has seen increases in enrollment each year with approximately 1,700 student in 2015-16, approximately 1,800 students in 2016-17, and approximately 1,900 students in Fall 2017,” Dieringer said.

Alan Silvidi, English Department Chair at Revere High School, discussed how CCP classes differ from Advanced Placement [AP] classes.

“With an AP class, [you have the] AP test you have to pass at the end of the year. . . . English Composition at the university level is a class for everybody to make sure they meet minimum requirements, so that they can do all of their writing in their classes in college. . . . The responsibility level in similar. Where in AP and CCP classes, you are on your own to the reading and writing. . . . In one sense, the curriculum is more focused; it is just on writing essays. In a different way, it is very broad because I am teaching them to write for many different circumstances,” Silvidi said.

Senior Emily Gruich discussed her experience taking a CCP class at Revere High School and described how it compares to previous classes she has taken at Revere.

“Since it is through The University of Akron, the class is on semesters just like all classes at Akron. You have to work on a different schedule because it goes through a trimester and a half at Revere. It is basically just a college class taught in the Revere High School building. All of our grades are through Akron’s grading system. . . . The College Credit Plus class is more independent than honors or AP classes, and you have to be responsible for your grades,” Gruich said.

Senior Alex Lupo explained her experience traveling to Akron to take all of her classes during her senior year. Lupo also spoke about how CCP differs from classes she has taken at Revere.

“I like going to Akron because it is all new people, and the classes are only fifty minutes. I also only have classes three days a week for only 4 hours instead of 7. . . . In general, college classes require you to be extremely self-dependent. No one is reminding you of due-dates. In my personal experience, class time is strictly lecturing and worksheets are rarely given. We do not get homework completion grades; it is mostly just exam grades or essays depending on the class. The scores you receive on exams or essays is what your final grade depends on,” Lupo said.

Silvidi explained the state law regarding CCP classes. He also spoke about how the students have more of responsibility compared to high school classes.

“The state law says that if you offer an AP course in a particular subject area like English and students get some sort of credit like a 5 point A, then you have to give that for CCP classes as well. If we offered AP math and not AP English, there would not be a 5.0 for [CCP] English. I think the kids have had a positive experience. I think our Revere kids are well-prepared for it, and it does give them some good benefits as well. . . . There is a certain maturity you have to have, and I see that in the students. A lot more is on your shoulders as a student. You have to manage your time and your assignments and know what is coming up,” Silvidi said.

Dieringer discussed all the different advantages of CCP.

“[CCP] strengthens the high school curriculum and raises expectations for high school students. [It also] reduces the total number of credits needed to be earned in college and potentially reduces the time required for the completion of a baccalaureate degree and costs to parents, students, and taxpayers. [CCP] enriches the undergraduate college curriculum by lessening the need to retake some introductory courses, consequently allowing earlier entry into more advanced courses, facilitating double majors, or permitting additional electives. The CCP Program is also free of charge, so all tuition, fees and textbooks are provided for the student through state funding. [Lastly], the CCP Program is a great opportunity for students to get a head start on their college career, but it takes a motivated and mature student who is ready for the college experience, both academically and socially,” Dieringer said.

The spring semester at The University of Akron begins on January 16, and students grades 7 through 12 are welcome to enroll in classes.