Rocky River High senior Jordyn Logan wants to become a crime scene investigator, and now she has a head start on her career through the Career and College Promise (CCP) program.
CCP is a dual-enrollment program that allows juniors and seniors to earn tuition-free college credit toward a two- or four-year degree at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC). Jordyn learned about the program as a sophomore through Elaine Friar, Rocky River’s career development coordinator, and decided to apply.
“After discussing this with my parents, we all agreed that I needed to take advantage of this amazing opportunity,” Jordyn said. “Ms. Friar advised us of the next steps and, without hesitation, I registered for my first college course in fall 2019. During my senior year, I completed the requirements and have been awarded a certificate in criminal justice technology, with a specialization in the basics of criminal justice.”
By choosing dual enrollment, Jordyn has saved time and money when it comes to her education. She said she already has earned 9 percent of credits for a criminal justice degree and is taking additional courses. She will attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in the fall and hopes one day to work for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
Alyssa English, career development lead for Career and Technical Education in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, said students can choose one of two pathways – College Transfer Pathways and Career and Technical Pathways – and both offer great opportunities.
“The college pathway has arts, science, engineering, and there are three different fine arts programs,” English said. “They can get those foundational courses, which will transfer to any school in the University of North Carolina System. There is also a myriad of career and technical options with more than 50 pathways. Students can make terrific salaries, and they don’t have the debt – the possibilities are endless.”
To qualify for CCP, juniors and seniors must have a minimum 2.8 GPA unweighted and be accepted at CPCC. CMS pays for tuition and provides a $50 book credit per course. Some students may incur additional fees, depending on the courses they choose. Students follow both the CMS and CPCC calendars, and their CCP grades are on their college and high school transcripts.
Interested students can contact their school’s career development coordinator and visit the CPCC dual-enrollment webpage for more information. Most coordinators offer orientation sessions for students and families, and advertise registration deadlines for their schools.
“My parents are so proud of me,” Jordyn said. “Their belief in me and their trust in Ms. Friar left them with little doubt I would be successful in this opportunity. I am beyond grateful for this partnership between CMS and CPCC.”