In Texas, Austin Community College is allowing high school students to take college courses whiles still in high school. They hope this encourages students to go to college and earn a degree.

News 8  Austin has this story:

Manuel Munoz is a junior in high school, but he’s already taking college courses at Austin Community College.

“I’m taking some history courses so I can be ahead both in college and in high school,” he said.

Munoz doesn’t have to pay a dime. He’s part of ACC’s Early College Start program. It’s one of several programs ACC offers academically eligible high school students.

ACC President Stephen B. Kinslow said the college encourages minority students to take part in school and hopes they’ll be more inclined to stick to the college life.

“It’s not just about getting people in the door to college but helping them to be successful,” Kinslow said.

Next fall, ACC predicts 25 percent of it’s population will be Hispanic. If so, ACC will become a Hispanic Serving Institution. Under the current Higher Education Act, ACC would then be eligible for more state and federal funds.

“Texas risks not having enough educated, highly skilled workers to meet the needs of business and industry. Providing access to affordable higher education is the solution to those challenges,” Kinslow said.

This is a great way to ensure that Texas continues to have skilled, college-educated workers.  These high school students who want to earn their degree can get ahead by taking college courses now.