Programs for High School Students

Howard Community College offers a variety of programs for current and graduating high school students including:

HONORS PROGRAM – Howard Community College is proud to be home to two long-standing and well-respected Honors programs - The James W. Rouse Scholars Program and The Frederick K. Schoenbrodt Scholars Program. Both programs center around rigorous academic coursework and opportunities like study abroad, independent research, and service and community engagement, which connect the classroom with the real world. Honors students work closely with a specialized academic advisor to plan and register for unique Honors courses, which are offered in a wide range of subjects and emphasize depth of inquiry as well as the cultivation of a scholarly community among Honors students. Further, Honors courses are taught by faculty who are committed to providing a high level of academic rigor and critical thinking. 

In addition, all Honors students are eligible for a special scholarship during each semester in which they are actively enrolled in an Honors program. The scholarship can only be used to help cover tuition and fees. No additional application is needed for scholarships; awards are based on academic performance and evidence of progress toward Honors program requirements. Prospective students interested in the Honors program should contact the Office of Admissions and Advising (admissions@howardcc.edu) for more information. 

SILAS CRAFT COLLEGIANS PROGRAM – The Silas Craft Collegians Program is an academic leadership learning community for recent high school and high school equivalent graduates who wish to maximize their academic achievement through personal coaching, academic support, and smaller class sizes, while connecting with a group of like-minded peers. Program participants receive the benefit of participation in a unique college readiness retreat for incoming first year Collegians; personalized academic and transfer advising to prepare and stay on track for success; tutoring and study groups; personal mentoring, career exploration, and skills development; leadership development and networking opportunities; scholarship opportunities; and service learning and study abroad opportunities. Prospective students interested in the Silas Craft Collegians Program should contact the Office of Admissions and Advising (admissions@howardcc.edu).

FRESHMAN FOCUS PROGRAM – Our nationally recognized Freshman Focus Program is designed for high school seniors planning to enroll at Howard Community College immediately following graduation. With the Freshman Focus Program, students are able to benefit from support in every aspect of the admissions and enrollment process. Students receive application assistance, attend a specialized Orientation Program to prepare for registration, and attend a one-on-one appointment with an academic advisor who will assist with registration. Best of all, Freshman Focus students are first in line for course selection and register before all other new students and also benefit from the program's excellent record of fostering academic success. Our Freshman Focus Program was recognized as an award winner by the National Academic Advising Association. Prospective students interested in the Freshman Focus Program should contact the Office of Admissions and Advising (admissions@howardcc.edu).

DUAL ENROLLMENT – Expanding options for students to gain college credits, prepare for a career, or earn an associate degree. Howard Community College offers dual enrollment programs to provide students with several paths toward earning college credit while in high school. These programs are available for high school student in Howard County, including private and home-school students. Admission for eighth, ninth, and 10th grade students will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Students may be eligible for discounted tuition and can save hundreds or thousands of dollars on their college education. Students will explore careers and interests, gain exposure to college coursework and increase college success. Take one or two classes per semester at your high school or on the Howard Community College campus, with the option to attend HCC full time during your senior year. Special enrollment conditions apply based upon state law, public and private school regulations, and college policies. Prospective students interested in dual enrollment opportunities should contact the Office of Admissions and Advising (admissions@howardcc.edu).

High school students in their junior or senior year may participate in dual enrollment programs. The program enables students to plan their high school and HCC schedules at the same time and complete all or most procedures, including application, testing, and registration, well in advance of general registration periods. Howard County residents who wish to participate in dual enrollment will receive discounted tuition rates during the fall, winter and spring terms. Howard County Public School students who are approved by their high school counselor may also receive credit towards their high school diploma as well as towards their college degree. Private school students may have to fulfill private school requirements to participate. Additional procedures apply for students in the eighth through tenth grades. (See High School Students policy for information.) Different requirements exist for participation in Continuing Education (noncredit) classes. Generally, students must be 18 years of age or older to participate in noncredit courses with the exception of HCC’s Kids On Campus program and selected other programming.

The College reserves the right to grant admission to secondary school students on an individual basis. More information about programs and admissions policies and procedures for current and graduating high school students is available in Admissions Policies and Procedures. For further information, please contact 443-518-4599 or admissions@howardcc.edu. Information is also available on the College website at howardcc.edu/admissions.