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Nicholas County officials praise dual-credit, scholarship programs that can deliver 30 free college credits
Summary
School and court officials described a dual-credit program enrolling about 60 students that can yield up to 30 college credit hours and, combined with a local scholarship endowment, can cover students’ first year of college. Leaders discussed expanding career-focused courses including EMT training.
Nicholas County Fiscal Court heard from school leaders on Aug. 8 about an expanded dual-credit and scholarship program that court members said has given many students a head start on college. "Through this program, students can graduate with 30 college credit hours free," a school representative told the court, noting roughly 60 students are participating.
The superintendent, Stacy Allison, and school staff said a private endowment plus the county’s Matters Educational scholarship have helped cover the first year of college for participating students. Speakers emphasized that the program includes both core academic courses and career-focused options such as lineman training, cosmetology, electrical, HVAC and EMT coursework.
Court members and school staff discussed plans to offer EMT classes during the latter half of students’ senior year so graduates could be prepared to take national certification tests once they meet age and diploma requirements. Court members framed the effort as a workforce pipeline: officials said local employers could benefit from graduates trained to work while they pursue further paramedic education.
Supporters described the program as a long-running community effort. Court members noted the Mathers Fund and other local scholarships have supplemented dual-credit opportunities and that the program’s private and public funding has allowed students to save on tuition costs.
The court did not take formal action on curriculum changes during the meeting; speakers said further coordination would continue between the school system and county officials to develop vocational pathways and to schedule class offerings.
