On the evening of January 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., the Vermilion Local School District Guidance Counseling Department held a College Credit Plus (CCP) presentation at Vermilion High School in the auditorium. The presentation, led by VHS Counselors Cara Habermehl and Jordan Fahr (for 10th-12th grade), along with Mrs. Allison Scullin (8th-9th grade counselor), Sophia Jackson (BGSU Firelands representative), and Karen Tomcko, an Academic Advisement Professional from Lorain County Community College (LCCC), provided valuable information about how local students can earn college credit while still in high school.
The meeting explained the enrollment process for participating in College Credit Plus at either BGSU Firelands or LCCC, with similar steps for both institutions. It helped guide students and their families through the process of enrolling in the program, which offers the opportunity to earn college credit at no cost while completing high school coursework.
What is College Credit Plus?
College Credit Plus (CCP) is Ohio’s dual enrollment program, allowing students in grades 7-12 to take college-level courses while still in high school. The best part? The courses count for both high school and college credit—at no cost to families. Students can use the credits earned either at LCCC, BGSU Firelands, or transfer them to other colleges and universities after graduation.
LCCC and BGSU Firelands offer hundreds of college courses, with options for in-person, online, or high school-based classes. Once students apply, they work with their assigned CCP advisor and high school counselor to select the best courses based on their academic and career goals. There are already mapped-out pathways designed to help students graduate high school ahead of schedule and closer to their chosen career path.
Who Can Participate?
The College Credit Plus program is open to all Ohio students in grades 7 through 12 who can demonstrate college readiness through their high school GPA or standardized test scores. This includes students from chartered or non-chartered public and private high schools, as well as home-educated students. Sixth-grade students can apply now to participate when they enter seventh grade, and home-educated students may participate if they turn 12 years old before September 30 of the year they wish to enroll.
To participate at LCCC or BGSU Firelands, students must meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements:
- Achieve college-level placement in at least one of the following exams: ACT, SAT, Accuplacer, or ALEKS.
- Have an unweighted, cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Have an unweighted, cumulative GPA of 2.75 and an “A” or “B” in a relevant high school course (as determined by LCCC or BGSU Firelands).
- Earn an “A” or “B” in a relevant high school course if the student does not have a cumulative GPA.
Additionally, some students may qualify through the CCP Innovative Program Waiver if pursuing an approved college program. For those students interested in exploring the CCP Innovative Program Waiver, more information can be found through the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
Steps to Take College Credit Plus Classes
For students interested in participating in CCP at BGSU Firelands or LCCC, the steps are essentially the same:
- Complete Your Participation Form
- Submit the form by April 1st to express interest in the program.
- New to LCCC or BGSU Firelands? Apply
- Students who have not previously enrolled at either institution will need to complete an application for admission.
- Transcript Submission
- Submit high school transcripts to determine eligibility based on academic performance.
- Show College Readiness
- Demonstrate college readiness through standardized test scores or meeting GPA thresholds, as specified by the institutions.
- Register for Classes
- Work with a Guidance Counselor or College Advisor to register for classes that align with academic and career goals.
The College Credit Plus Advantage
The CCP program offers numerous benefits to students:
- Save Time: Earn college and high school credit simultaneously, allowing for an accelerated educational path.
- Explore: Take courses in your major or explore different career pathways.
- Build Confidence: Experience the college environment and gain skills that will be valuable in further education and the workforce.
- Support Services: Students will have access to both high school and college support services, including counseling and academic advising.
- Flexible Options: Students can choose when to begin, how many courses to take, and whether they take courses online or in-person.
Financial Benefits
One of the most significant advantages of CCP is the cost savings. Since 2013, local families have saved $99 million in tuition and textbook costs, as the state of Ohio covers tuition and fees for participating students. This is a unique opportunity for families to save money while advancing their children’s education.
Missed the Meeting? Here’s How to Get Your Child Enrolled in CCP Classes
For parents with students interested in the College Credit Plus program, the next step is to reach out to the appropriate guidance counselor. Vermilion High School students should contact Cara Habermehl or Jordan Fahr for students in grades 10-12, or Mrs. Allison Scullin for 8th-9th grade students. If you’re not a Vermilion Local School District student, contact your own high school guidance counselor for more details on how to get started with the program. It’s important to act early, as the deadlines and application process can be competitive, and having the right guidance will ensure students are on track to take full advantage of this unique educational opportunity.
