For Immediate Release

Date:  March 14, 2006

BLOOMSBURG—Area students interested in getting a head start at college can take regular, for-credit courses while still in high school through the ACE (Advance College Experience) Program or the state-funded dual enrollment program at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. 

The ACE program offers high school students the opportunity to take courses at the BU campus or at satellite locations by paying a discounted rate, either 25 or 50 percent of regular tuition. Students must pay applicable fees. The ACE program has been in existence for three years and is one of the only programs of its type in the state, according to James Matta, assistant vice president and dean of graduate studies and research.

Through the dual enrollment program, which is funded by a state-sponsored grant, students may take courses for a limited fee. The cost for students is determined by the income level within eligible school districts. This is the first year that the dual enrollment program has been available at Bloomsburg University.

To enroll in either program, students must be recommended by their high school counselor or principal. By taking courses at the university, students can earn college credits while also fulfilling high school credits needed for graduation, according to Matta.

In spring 2006, 84 high school students from 12 school districts, two private high schools and one regional technical school were enrolled in one or more courses through Bloomsburg University. Participating schools include: Berwick, Bloomsburg, Central Columbia, Columbia County Christian, Columbia Montour Vo-Tech, Danville, Lourdes Regional, Millville, Montgomery, Muncy, Northwest, Shamokin, Shikellamy and Southern Columbia.

For information on ACE or the dual enrollment program at BU, contact Bonnie Girton in BU’s registrar’s office at (570) 389-4824.

Bloomsburg University is one of 14 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The university serves approximately 8,000 students and offers 65 bachelor’s, 17 master’s and one doctoral degree.

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