High school students in the Bevill State service area have an opportunity to learn a skill in a career technical field and receive both high school and college credit simultaneously.

As an incentive to promote career technical education and prepare high school students to be “workforce ready,” the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development designated funds for the scholarships for dually enrolled high school students and students who are participating in the Early College Enrollment Program (ECEP) in the above mentioned programs. Scholarships are available in the Welding, Machine Tool, Automotive, Auto Body, Drafting, and Industrial Systems Technology programs.

To meet the qualifications for dual enrollment and qualify for scholarships, students must be in grades 10-12, have a B average, and have approval from their respective guidance counselor, principal and superintendent. Eligible students must also meet Bevill State admission requirements.

The Early College Enrollment Program (ECEP) provides an opportunity for high school students to earn college credits toward a technical or health certificate and/or degree that meets local, regional, or state high-skill, high-wage, and high-demand critical workforce training needs while completing high school. To participate in the ECEP program, a student must be either a high school junior or senior while maintaining a grade-point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.  Students must also pass all areas of the high school exit exam prior to their senior year. Compass testing must also place the student in English 101 or Math 100.

Those participating in ECEP must also maintain a 2.0 average while enrolled in the program. Students who complete the program will receive a 50 percent tuition reduction for one semester of college coursework in their particular program of study within one year of high school graduation. Like dual enrollment, the student must meet college admission requirements while receiving permission from the high school counselor, principal and superintendent.

To apply for a dual enrollment or ECEP scholarship, participants must complete a Bevill State admission form, scholarship application and a resume. The resume should include information concerning all academic achievement, community service and financial need. The deadline for applications is Friday, March 20. Applications are available from area high school counselors or at www.bscc.edu. For more information, individuals can contact the counselor or Dean Fleming at 800-648-3271, ext. 5704.