Beaufort County Community College awarded 47% more degrees, diplomas, and certificates to high school students in the 2024–2025 academic year compared to the previous year, reflecting a major expansion in dual enrollment through the Career & College Promise (CCP) program or early college high schools. The total number of students taking advantage of dual-enrollment programs rose by six percent.
Students in the CCP program and early college high schools, which offer free college classes to high schoolers, earned nearly one in five of all credentials issued by the college this year, up from just 10% the year before. A large part of the jump came from a new focus on certificates, which give students something concrete to include on a transcript or job application and are more impactful than a handful of general college classes.
The push for certificates acknowledges that not all students have the capacity to complete a full associate degree while in high school or the desire to transfer to a university after high school. Earning a certificate in early childhood education, welding technology, or business administration can help students find jobs faster and give them the confidence to walk into the workplace with a credential in hand.
The number of credits per certificate varies, but most are equivalent to about a semester of college coursework.
“This growth shows that high school students are not only taking college classes, but they are completing entire certificates, diplomas, and degrees before graduation,” said Stacy Jones, director of high school programs. “It’s a sign of the rising ambition of our students and the strength of our partnerships with local schools.”
Certificate earners came from Beaufort County Early College High School, Columbia Early College High School, Hyde Academy, Northside High School, Ocracoke School, Pungo Christian Academy, Southside High School, Washington County Early College High School, Washington County High School, and Washington High School.
This year saw the first four students (above, left to right: Landon Williamson, Connor Copes, Eli Paul, and Camden Harding) from Pungo Christian Academy participate in graduation after earning a Certificate in Agricultural Welding.
These college courses, offered tuition-free, give students a head start toward a university degree or workforce credential. Early college experiences can improve college performance, reduce student debt, and increase career readiness.
One standout example is Ocracoke School’s Class of 2025, where nearly all graduates earned college credits through Beaufort CCC, and 100% are headed to a college or university this fall. Among them, Caroline Stocks completed her Criminal Justice Technology Transfer Certificate but was unable to attend commencement. In response, college staff brought the graduation to her, recognizing her hard work and determination.
Beaufort CCC continues to expand access to CCP pathways across its service area of Beaufort, Hyde, Tyrrell, and Washington counties, helping more students leave high school with credentials that matter.