Natrona County School District students are provided a “Jumpstart to College” opportunity through the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) ACE program. A targeted partnership between the Natrona County School District and Casper College this program provides an incredible opportunity for high school students to earn college credit.
NCSD students have the opportunity to take classes for college credit at the college, online, or at their home high school. These classes offer dual credit on both their high school and college transcripts.
With this incredible partnership, NCSD offers 47 Concurrent Enrollment courses at three of the district’s high schools and on the Pathways Innovation Center campus. Concurrent Enrollment courses are taught at the student’s home high school by a highly qualified high school educator who has received a Master’s degree, or higher, in the content area and has met all certification requirements to teach concurrent enrollment coursework. Concurrent enrollment courses earn the student both college and high school credit.
- There is no limit to the number of Concurrent Enrollment courses a student can take at their home high school, pending they meet the registration and prerequisite requirements. The high school teachers and BOCES manager provide students with an opportunity to enroll during the first two weeks of school.
Dual Enrollment courses are taught online or on-campus at Casper College by a professional and highly qualified college professor and also count for both college and high school credit requirements for graduation. All the courses offered at the college are available for high school students to take as long as they meet the prerequisites. The BOCES ACE Program pays for tuition and books for all courses offered at Casper College above the 1000 level, but BOCES does not pay the tuition for Private Music Studio or PE courses.
- For eligible Freshman and Sophomore students, BOCES pays tuition, fees, and books for one course each semester (summer/fall/spring).
- Junior and Senior students are eligible to take one course in the summer semester and three courses each in the fall and spring semesters.
Both opportunities provide students with tremendous opportunities to experience and engage in advanced coursework while getting a jumpstart on college requirements and credit obtainment. Additionally, by participating in the higher-level college classes, students gain valuable skills and resources to enhance and support their transition into college while building confidence in their abilities to succeed in college.
BOCES Manager, Jeana Lam-Pickett, works dedicatedly to support students enrolled in the program, “It is truly a joy to work with high school students through BOCES. Seeing their excitement each step of the way from the first time they enroll in a college course to their success as they move on to higher education. It is always wonderful to see previous BOCES students on campus at Casper College. The success of the students is remarkable and makes us all very proud of the students and the opportunity the BOCES ACE program provides."
Enrollment opportunities for the upcoming semesters are happening now! Students should contact the BOCES office by calling 307-268-3309 or visit their high school guidance counselor to set up an appointment with Ms. Lam-Pickett to discuss the program and register for upcoming classes.