Washington State College of Ohio partners with Switzerland of Ohio School District

Washington State College of Ohio and Switzerland of Ohio School District have created a seamless pathway for high school students to earn college credits to bring with them to eligible certificate and degree coursework at Washington State College of Ohio. The partnership will expand access to higher education by helping students enter into college with nearly a semester of credits already completed.

According to an article on Washington State Community College’s website, Tracey Hooper-Porter, who serves as the Dean of Technology and Transfer at Washington State College of Ohio, was quoted as saying of the partnership, “Our high school partners are doing an outstanding job preparing students with foundational technical skills. This partnership recognizes that preparation and creates a smoother transition to college. Students can build on what they’ve already learned instead of starting over, allowing them to focus on more advanced skills. This partnership reflects what education should be about by creating clear pathways for students. When high schools and colleges work together, students have more opportunities to succeed, whether their goal is entering the workforce, earning additional credentials, or continuing their education. We’re excited to partner with the Switzerland of Ohio School District to help more students build on the skills they’re already developing and continue that momentum at Washington State.”

High school students who attend Monroe Central High School, River High School, and Swiss Hills Career Center and are studying in career-technical courses like business, finance, engineering, manufacturing, automotive technology, criminal justice, and welding will have the opportunity to take advantage of the program. These students will, if enrolled at Washington State College of Ohio within three years of their high school graduation, be able to apply their articulated college credits toward a certificate or degree program at the college, with most students able to transfer about a semester’s worth of credit.

Superintendent of Switzerland of Ohio School District, Jeremy Beardmore, said, “Our top priority is ensuring that our students graduate prepared for their next steps, whether that’s stepping right into a career or continuing their education. This partnership with Washington State College of Ohio gives our students at Monroe Central High School, River High School, and Swiss Hills Career Center a clear head start. By turning the hard work they do in high school directly into college credits, we’re saving local families thousands in tuition costs and accelerating their path toward rewarding careers.”

Many of the college’s career certificate programs can be completed in two semesters, meaning students who take advantage of the partnership will be halfway to a certificate right away, getting them to graduation or on track to an associate degree in much less time and at a much lower cost.

For more information about Washington State College of Ohio, visit the school’s website.