Learner Support Services
Step Ahead Program for High School Students
The Step Ahead Program is a partnership between NWACC and area high schools. Under this program, the College and participating high schools agree to help students accelerate their progress toward a college degree. Students from participating high schools who select this option can take transferable college core curriculum courses while still in high school.
Click here if you are already a Step Ahead student and need information.
Why was the Step Ahead Program developed?
The public wants to see high schools and colleges work together to reduce the time students take to complete a college degree. Such cooperation can reduce the cost of college degrees and conserve scarce state resources. The Step Ahead Program allows a seamless web of relationships among high schools, NorthWest Arkansas Community College, and senior institutions of benefit to both students and parents.
What is the philosophy behind the Step Ahead Program?
The program is built around the following assumptions:
Students would prefer to remain in high school while earning college credits.
Many high school students can successfully complete college level work while they are in high school.
Offering high school students the opportunity to take college courses will encourage them to continue with their college studies after high school.
How can I benefit by enrolling in the Step Ahead program?
Early Planning: This program encourages early planning for college attendance. Colleges have found that the earlier students begin to plan for college the more likely they are to earn a college degree. Preparation for college involves careful selection of courses no later than ninth grade. This program involves the student, high school counselors, parents and college personnel in the selection of courses from the beginning of the high school career.
Rigorous Studies: Besides early planning, this program encourages you to pursue a rigorous course of study in high school. The best preparation for college is a high school program of study designed for college bound students.
What courses should I take?
The state of Arkansas' required minimum college core curriculum provides a good guideline for selecting courses in high school. Information about the core curriculum is available in high school counseling offices or in our office on campus.
What are the requirements?
- Be enrolled in grades 9 - 12
- Have a high school cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 grading system
- Have a current measles and rubella immunization record on file at the high school
- Have an appropriate placement score on the ACT, SAT ASSET, or COMPASS to enroll in college level classes
What type of courses will be offered?
Courses offered include mathematics, communications, English, natural sciences, social sciences, behavioral sciences and humanities.
What are the credentials of the faculty?
All faculty teaching in the Step Ahead Program are required to meet NWACC's standards for experience and academic credentials (at least a master's degree inn the subject taught). they must also be approved by both the appropriate academic department head and the Vice President of Instruction.
How do courses taken in high school affect my application for admission to other colleges and universities?
When you take college courses from NWACC (or any other college or university) you will still have to meet the admission requirement of the colleges and universities to which you are applying. You should check with the college or university of your choosing for their particular admission information. High school grades, class rank, and ACT/SAT examination scores is generally the basis for admission.
Will enrolling in the Step Ahead Program enhance my chances for admission to college?
Your performance in college work taken prior to high school graduation could enhance your chances for admission to college. However, as a general rule, you must meet the minimum freshmen admission standards of the college you have chosen.
Would taking courses in high school affect my chances for financial aid once I am in college?
Most state and federal financial aid is not affected by taking college courses in high school. You should be aware that some types of private financial aid and scholarships limit the number of credit hours you may earn prior to receiving a scholarship or aid. You should check with the college or university you plan to attend for any limitations they may place on aid.
What is the maximum number of hours of college credit I might earn?
By Arkansas law, students must be in grades 9-12 to take college courses concurrently with high school enrollment. By NWACC policy, high school students are limited to 7 credit hours of NWACC course work each semester.
For enrollment and further information contact John Honey , Coordinator of the Step Ahead Program at (479) 619-4232 or by e-mail.
Click here for information on taking college courses on our campus.
For questions or comments, please contact John Honey
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