Board approves affiliation with Penn State to offer dual-enrollment courses at reduced tuition
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Summary
The board approved an affiliation agreement with Penn State University that lets eligible Lower Moreland High School students take Penn State courses for 50% of tuition. Administrators said about five courses are immediately available and that additional delivery options could expand access.
The Lower Moreland Township School District board voted Aug. 19 to approve an affiliation agreement with Penn State University that will allow high school students to enroll in Penn State courses and receive both college and, when approved, high school credit.
Mr. Cole, who presented the affiliation agreement, said students in the program would pay 50% of Penn State tuition for eligible courses and that Penn State currently has about five courses identified for the partnership. Cole said Penn State requires an approved instructor for each course and that courses selected must not duplicate courses the high school already offers.
Board members asked how many institutions the district partners with. Cole said the district currently partners with Gwynedd Mercy (noting existing partnership) and that Penn State would be a second formal partner; he added that the district is checking historical or limited arrangements with other universities. Cole said about five Penn State courses “are offered currently” and that availability could change depending on professor availability and student interest. He also said both virtual and in-person options may be available; most students are expected to choose virtual delivery.
Board discussion covered ways to expand participation, including having Penn State faculty teach on the high school campus or having district teachers deliver dual-credit courses if the university recognizes a certificated district instructor’s credentials. Administrators noted scheduling constraints — a traditional college class schedule can conflict with the high school day — and said offering courses in the evening or via virtual formats could broaden access.
Cole said one current Lower Moreland student was pursuing the opportunity and that counseling and outreach to students would be a next step if the board approved the agreement. Board members confirmed families would pay tuition to Penn State (at the reduced 50% rate) for transcripted college credit; the district does not fund that tuition.
The board approved the affiliation agreement by voice vote.
Administrators said the agreement is an early step to expand dual-enrollment options and that further planning would address scheduling, faculty credentialing and outreach to increase student participation.
