Oct 01, 2016 07:06 AM EDT By Beth Golden, UniversityHerald Reporter

Senior high school students can jumpstart their college life by taking on subjects that will earn them academic credits when they go to college. Accredited schools are partnering up with universities and making sure that senior students are being prepared for university life with these subjects.

Most booming economies are concerned with technical training and higher education. In Ohio for example, where at the moment only 43% of the working population have college degrees, experts believe that 10 years time, 65% of working adults would need a degree, a certificate and other credentials to meet workforce demands.

The growing cost of earning a college diploma is of great concern for the students and their families which is why programs like College Credit Plus (CCP) is important. The program aims to "promote rigorous academic pursuits and to provide a wide variety of options to college-ready students." The program is free for local schools but with a minimal fee for private colleges and universities.

The CCP is geared towards students who are college ready and are up to the challenge of taking on the challenges and responsibilities that come with having college curricula on their academic workload.By enrolling, students get to complete their high school academic requirements and at the same time earn a year's worth of college credits, both of which will be part of their high school and college transcripts.Students and parents can inquire with their high school counsellors about the program and how they can participate.

Education columnist Jay Mathews of The Washington Post observes that while students on dual-enrollment programs are most likely to pursue college, some students who have earlier take advantage of dual-enrollment have had to delay finishing college due to lack of college credits. He also noted the differences between Advanced Placements, International Baccalaureate and dual enrollment programs.

Mathews also cited reports from Education Week that on the average, students who took dual enrollment programs lose 13% of the credits earned when they enrol in universities. Another study found that while all credits from dual enrollment courses are accepted, only 73% applies to students' major courses.

Further, a survey of superintendents overseeing dual enrollment programs show that earning college credits doesn't necessarily mean that the students were college ready.

Before enrolling, it's also best to consider student's plan after high school - what major fields of studies and specializations as well as prospect universities to attend - to see if the courses and credits to be earned from dual enrollment will apply.

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