TOMS RIVER – The local school district has partnered with Ocean County College to offer dual enrollment as an option to students who want to earn college credits before they even graduate from high school.
This head start program has been successful in other districts, such as Lacey. Now, Toms River students will have this opportunity.
It is just one more option for students, in addition to the career academies and other offerings available to students from Toms River, South Toms River, Beachwood and Pine Beach.
Students can earn college credits, certificates (30 credits) and even an associate degree (60 credits). Business, science, manufacturing, graphic arts, and information technology will be offered. There will be opportunities for assistance based on need, which includes standard student scholarships through the college.
The program is expected to start September of 2021. Students will have the option of taking these courses at a reduced cost than if they enrolled in OCC after graduation.
“The benefits of this arrangement reach far and wide, and it’s difficult for me to overstate the positive impact this will have for our students and families,” said Superintendent David Healy. “This will increase our course offerings, boost the profile of our Career Academies, increase academic achievement and produce more college-ready graduates, and ultimately provide significant cost savings for our families.”
presented a snapshot of the program during a public committee meeting Nov. 11. He stressed that the program is fully optional– the courses will be offered regardless of robust or minimal enrollment– and spoke of its advantages.
Students who complete between 12 and 24 college credits are at a distinct advantage when applying to colleges, said Dr. Henry Jackson, OCC Executive Director of Academic Success. They will then be applying to essentially be a sophomore at colleges and universities. This means they won’t be competing with other incoming freshman. Colleges often seek to fill a sophomore class because that year has a much smaller head count after freshman drop out or transfer. It would also save the family’s money on a year of tuition.
“The goal here is to allow your students the option to take these courses and earn college credits,” Dr. Jackson said. “Ultimately, they’ll be able to utilize our entire OCC course catalogue.”
“I know firsthand what this level of college readiness can mean for families since my daughter recently graduated High School South and OCC with an associate degree in math,” said Board President Anna Polozzo. “What’s uniquely special about this dual enrollment program is that OCC works so well with our high school kids to ensure that their college credits are relevant and applicable. Having recently gone through this process, I’ve seen the disappointment of students who learn, for example, that their AP credits don’t count. That’s not the case here. OCC, in combination with our teachers and guidance counselors, is truly preparing our students for college, and giving them genuine leverage. Every parent in the district should be jumping for joy at this news.”
The journey to this point began years ago and, under the direction of Superintendent Healy, was spearheaded by former Assistant Superintendent Dr. Marc Natanagara and then Director of Curriculum Norma DiNoia. That torch has been successfully carried by Assistant Superintendent Cara DiMeo, Director of 6-12 Curriculum Estee Mailot, and Supervisor of Educational Technology Tiffany Lucey.
“This is a matter of equity,” said DiMeo. “Not only will dual enrollment help our Career Academy and general education students; it meets the needs of our at-risk learners who might not have otherwise pursued a college pathway.
