Western Nevada College and Carson District outline Jumpstart program, fees and rising local costs

Lauren Stevens, director of academic advising and access at Western Nevada College, described three main dual-enrollment models the college offers to Carson students: Jumpstart (prescribed first-year courses toward a transferable associate degree), concurrent (high school teachers approved as affiliates teaching WNC content) and general dual-enrollment (students taking college courses taught by WNC faculty).

Stevens said Jumpstart students can pursue either a 60-credit pathway that begins in junior year or a shorter 30-credit pathway that begins in senior year. She explained that courses reserved for first-year Jumpstart cohorts are closed to other students, while second-year Jumpstart students join general-enrollment classes and are prioritized for registration.

WNC staff and district administrators explained the current fee structure and recent and planned increases. The Nevada System of Higher Education fee schedule means: - WNC-faculty-taught college classes: charged per credit (currently $85/credit; reduced per-credit rates may apply to students who qualify for free/reduced lunch), and - Affiliate…