Cochise College describes early college, dual-enrollment and summer camps; info night set for March 26

Brenda Kurtz, director of Early College at Cochise College, described the college’s early college and dual-enrollment programs during a KWCD interview and invited students and parents to an information night.

Kurtz said the Early College office helps high school students apply, register and plan for transferable college classes, and coordinates dual-credit offerings taught at high schools. She described "Friday classes" on campus that allow students to complete CTE coursework — including automotive, culinary, welding and HVAC — and earn certificates while still in high school.

Why it matters: dual-enrollment and early-college programs can reduce college time and cost for students and supply local employers with certificate-trained workers.

Kurtz said some students have earned both welding and HVAC certificates while in high school and cited one example of a student earning an associate degree "completely on his own." She said most high-school dual-enrollment programs target juniors and seniors, but the college allows students of any age to begin classes directly through the college.

Cochise College will hold a dual-information night at 5:30 p.m. on March 26 in the Sierra Vista Campus Community Room. Kurtz said nursing and CTE staff and the Cochise Technology District will attend to answer program and funding questions. She also said the college hosts summer camps each June; registration opens April 7 through the Center for Lifelong Learning.

Contact information provided on air included a phone number, 515-4511, and an email given as "decoachise dot edu" for the Early College office. Kurtz encouraged families to attend the March 26 event to learn about program options and next steps.