College of DuPage is expanding opportunities for District 502 high school students through its new College Jumpstart program. Beginning this summer, rising high school seniors can earn up to four transferable general education courses at a 50 percent tuition discount while experiencing COD’s campus in Learning Communities. This program offers college courses at $78 per credit hour.  

Students will enroll in learning communities that pair two courses from academic areas such as humanities, art, anthropology and history. Those wishing to complete all 12 credit hours may register for both learning communities.

“The College Jumpstart program gives students an early, supportive introduction to the college experience,” said COD Education Professor April Zawlocki. “By combining high-quality, highly transferrable coursework with a cohort model, we’re helping students build confidence, momentum and a clear pathway into higher education before they even graduate high school.”

Courses run June 15 through Aug. 8 on the College’s Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd. Registration opens March 11.

More on COD’s Early College Program

Serving more than two dozen partner high schools in DuPage County, COD’s Early College program allows qualified high school students to enroll in college-level classes and earn both high school and college credit upon successful completion.

Courses are taught at partner high schools during the regular school day by high school teachers approved as college-level instructors by COD. Each course follows COD’s curriculum and is equivalent to the on-campus version.

“Expanding early college pathways is central to our mission of increasing equitable access to higher education,” said Tamara McClain, COD Vice President of Academic Partnerships. “These opportunities allow students to earn transferable credit while building the skills and momentum that carry them into long-term success.”

Students may choose from a wide range of general education courses, including anatomy and physiology, earth science, English, foreign languages, speech and math, as well as career and technical education options such as architecture, automotive technology, computer and information systems, cosmetology, education, health sciences, horticulture, motion picture/television and welding.

As part of the Illinois Articulation Initiative, these accredited courses are transferable to more than 100 colleges and universities across Illinois.

Students may participate if they are enrolled at a COD partner high school and meet the regular prerequisites for the course.