Where High School Meets Higher Opportunity
- Program Structure:
- Students begin in 10th grade and follow a selected pathway
- Courses are offered in a hybrid format (online and on campus) during fall and spring semesters only, with a summer break
- Students must select a pathway prior to starting the program
- Course Credit Information:
- All courses are dual-credit, counting toward both high school graduation and college requirements, and are transferable to other colleges/universities.
- Academic Expectations & Policies:
- Students must maintain strong academic performance
- Earn a grade of “C” or better for continuous eligibility
- Students who fail or withdraw from a course will be ineligible for one term, and those who fall out of sequence must transition to Dual Enrollment before continuin
- Program Benefit:
- Students gain early college credit
- Experience smaller class sizes
- Receive academic support
- Reduce future college costs through free tuition
- Develop college and career readiness skills.
- Cost:
- The Early College Program is offered at no cost to participating students
- AA – General Education – Prepares students for transfer and multiple career pathways.
- AS – Business Administration – Builds skills in business, management, and entrepreneurship
- Submit the Trenholm State Admission Application
- Complete and submit the High School Authorization Form signed by the high school principal and school superintendent. Students can deliver signed authorization forms in person or send them by email to dualenrollment@trenholmstate.edu
- (Optional): Sign and submit the FERPA form to authorize the release of information relating to your school, financial, and/or academic records. The Annual FERPA Notification is located here. Click the following link to submit a FERPA Student Information Release Authorization: TSCC Student Forms
Informational Sessions
April 8, 2026 – In-person (Trenholm Campus)
May 6th, 2026 – In-person (Patterson Campus)
June 11, 2026 – In-person (Trenholm Campus)
July 16, 2026 – In-person (Patterson Campus)
April 8th, 2026: 4:30pm – 6:30pm
May 6th, June 11th, and July 16: 3:00pm – 4:30pm
- Have a Cumulative GPA 3.0
- Be a Rising 10th grader
- Students must demonstrate college readiness, including strong character, integrity, and maturity, to ensure their success in the program
1. How is the Early College program different from Dual Enrollment?
Dual Enrollment allows students to take individual college courses in high school, while Early College is a structured program that enables students to earn both a high school diploma and an associates degree simultaneously.
2. How are the courses scheduled?
Students take courses during the fall and spring semesters only. They select their program pathway before starting the program. Courses are offered on-campus or in a hybrid format as specified by the program and course availability.
3. What should I do if I don't understand the course work in my class?
We have tutoring available 24/7 (Online and On-Campus) through our Center of Student Success.
4. How do I get started?
To begin the Early College process, submit an application to Trenholm State. Next, complete the required Prior Authorization Form. Once all documents are received, your application will be reviewed, and you will be notified of your approval status.
5. How are courses selected?
Courses are pre-chosen based on the Alabama High School graduation requirements and college degree pathway.
6. How long is the application period?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to students who apply early.
7. What's the difference between Early College courses and AP courses?
Early College courses are taught by Trenholm State faculty and are real college classes. Students earn both high school and guaranteed college credit upon successful completion. AP courses are taught by high school teachers, and college credit is earned only if the student scores high enough on the AP exam and if the college accepts the score.
8. Will Early College courses transfer to the college of my choice?
The Early College courses available through Trenholm's Early College program are designed to transfer to any college or university. They can be used to satisfy the general education core requirement at the freshman or sophomore level of college. If you have questions about the transferability of your credits, check with the program coordinator.
- Program Structure – Students begin the Early College Program in 10th grade and follow the pathway they select for instruction when they start the program. Courses will be hybrid (online and on campus) and will be offered during the fall and spring semesters only, with a break in the summer. Students must choose their program pathway prior to beginning in the fall of their 10th grade year, ensuring a clear and structured plan for earning college credit while completing high school.
- Course Credit Information – All courses in the Early College Program are dual-credit, meaning they count toward both high school graduation requirements and college credit. Students earn transferable college credit that can be applied at Trenholm State or other colleges and universities.
- Academic Expectations & Policies – Students in the Early College Program are expected to maintain high academic standards while balancing high school and college coursework. Classes follow a structured pathway designed to help students stay on track, with smaller class sizes and additional support from Trenholm faculty and counselors. Students who withdraw from or fail a course will be ineligible to enroll for one term. Falling out of sequence in their pathway will require the student to transition into the Dual Enrollment program before continuing coursework.
- Program Benefit:
- Academically, students have the opportunity to earn college credit early through transferable courses while benefiting from smaller class sizes.
- Financially, students can take advantage of free tuition, which helps reduce future student debt.
- The program helps students become college and career ready by allowing them to gain college experience, explore career options, build confidence and independence, and thrive in a supportive environment with a strong peer community.
- AA – General Education – Prepares students for transfer and multiple career pathways.
- AAS – Computer Information Systems – Introduces foundational technology and computing concepts.
- AS – Business Administration – Builds skills in business, management, and entrepreneurship
- Submit the Trenholm State Admission Application
- Complete and submit the High School Authorization Form signed by the high school principal and school superintendent. Students can deliver signed authorization forms in person or send them by email to dualenrollment@trenholmstate.edu
- (Optional): Sign and submit the FERPA form to authorize the release of information relating to your school, financial, and/or academic records. The Annual FERPA Notification is located here. Click the following link to submit a FERPA Student Information Release Authorization: TSCC Student Forms
Informational Sessions
March 26, 2026 – Trenholm Campus
April 9, 2026 – Virtual
April 29, 2026 – Patterson Site
June 11, 2026 – Trenholm Campus
June 25, 2026 – Virtual
Orientation
July 16, 2026 – Trenholm Campus
July 26, 2026 – Virtual
Virtual Sessions – 4:00pm
On-Campus Sessions – 3:30pm
Virtual Link:
Zoom Link
- Have a Cumulative GPA 3.0
- Be a Rising 10th grader
- Students must demonstrate college readiness, including strong character, integrity, and maturity, to ensure their success in the program
Programs Offered
-
General Studies (hyperlinked for future PDF pathway) Prepares students for transfer and multiple career pathways.
-
Computer Science (hyperlinked) Introduces foundational technology and computing concepts
-
Business Administration (hyperlinked) Builds skills in business, management, and entrepreneurship
Program Details / Eligibility
- Eligibility Requirements – Cumulative GPA 3.0, rising 10th grader, student should be ready to stay engaged in the program from the 10th grade until completion of program.
- Program Structure – Students begin the Early College Program in 10th grade and follow the pathway they select for instruction when they start the program. Courses are offered during the fall and spring semesters only, with a break in the summer. Students must choose their program pathway prior to beginning in the fall of their 10th grade year, ensuring a clear and structured plan for earning college credit while completing high school.
- Course Credit Information – All courses in the Early College Program are dual-credit, meaning they count toward both high school graduation requirements and college credit. Students earn transferable college credit that can be applied at Trenholm State or other colleges and universities.
- Academic Expectations & Policies – Students in the Early College Program are expected to maintain high academic standards while balancing high school and college coursework. Classes follow a structured pathway designed to help students stay on track, with smaller class sizes and additional support from Trenholm faculty and counselors.
- Key Policies:
- Credit: Courses count for both high school and college credit.Attendance & Participation: Students are expected to attend all classes and participate actively.
- Grades & Progress: Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress in all courses.
- Withdrawal/Failure: Students who withdraw from or fail a course will be ineligible to enroll for one term. Falling out of sequence in their pathway will require the student to transition into the Dual Enrollment program before continuing coursework.
- Summer Courses: Students may take summer courses through Dual Enrollment, but eligibility to rejoin Early College will be reviewed individually.
The Early College Program is designed to provide a supportive environment while preparing students for college-level work, helping them build confidence, independence, and strong study habits.
Programs Benefits
- 🎓 College Credit
- 💰 Free Tuition
- 📘 Academic Support
- 🚀 College & Career Readiness
- Academically, students have the opportunity to earn college credit early through transferable courses while benefiting from smaller class sizes.
- Financially, students can take advantage of free tuition, which helps reduce future student debt.
- The program helps students become college and career ready by allowing them to gain college experience, explore career options, build confidence and independence, and thrive in a supportive environment with a strong peer community.
*This program is only for rising 10th graders
Hover Over to Learn More
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You will need the following to apply for Early College Program:
Submitted Application – Apply Now – Trenholm State Community College
Have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0*
Complete and submit High Scool Authorization Form – High School Authorization Form
Rising 10th grader*
Registration
Now Enrolling for Fall 2026
Deadline for Applications July 10, 2026
Early College Contact:
Dr. Jaada Tyner
Early College Coordinator
Email: jtyner@trenholmstate.edu
Phone: (334) 523-7485
Early College at
Trenholm State
Community College
Learn More About Early College Opportunites Here
*This program is only for rising 10th graders
Hover Over to Learn More
You will need the following to apply for Early College Program:
Submitted Application – Apply Now – Trenholm State Community College
Have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0*
Complete and submit High Scool Authorization Form – High School Authorization Form
Rising 10th grader*
Early College Registration
Check back for Fall 2026 Registration dates.
Early College Contact:
Dr. Jaada Tyner
Early College Coordinator
Email: jtyner@trenholmstate.edu
Phone: (334) 523-7485