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High School Partnerships

Earn College Credit While in High School

Take charge of your future and start earning college credit while still in high school! The High School Partnerships department at Iowa Lakes Community College is dedicated to helping high school students get a head start on their college education. By working closely with high schools within the Iowa Lakes district, we oversee several programs that allow students to earn college credits while still in high school, called Career Connect, which includes Dual Credit and Career Academy.

Dual Credit courses allow high school students to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously by completing college-level coursework. The High School Partnerships department at Iowa Lakes Community College is dedicated to helping high school students get a head start on their college education.

This program is offered in partnership between the area high schools and Iowa Lakes Community College. Courses may be offered at the high school, on the college campus, or online, and can include general education subjects like English, Math, and Science, as well as Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses in areas such as health sciences, business, or skilled trades, which would be referred to as Career Academy.

Participating in dual credit helps students become familiar with college expectations, build academic confidence, and potentially reduce the time and cost of earning a college degree. These courses are taught by qualified instructors who meet the standards set by the college, ensuring the rigor and quality of a true college experience. In addition to accelerating academic progress, dual credit can help students explore career interests and make informed decisions about their future education and career paths. Dual credit is a valuable opportunity for motivated high school students to challenge themselves and gain a competitive edge as they transition to college and beyond.

Three Ways to Earn College Credit while in High School

Get a head start on your college journey with Iowa Lakes! High school students can earn college credit by taking classes through Career Academy, General Education (Dual Credit) courses, or Online Courses on campus, at their high school, or online. These flexible options make it easier than ever to explore career paths, save money, and build confidence for the future.

Questions? Let's Talk

Kari Hampe
Kari Hampe
Dean of High School Partnerships
712-852-5228 | khampe@iowalakes.edu
Emmetsburg Campus
Kendra Hough
Kendra Hough
Associate Director High School Partnerships
712-852-5246 | khough@iowalakes.edu
Emmetsburg Campus