Twenty Students Kickoff Fall Semester in the Early College Program

Baton Rouge- Twenty East Baton Rouge Parish School System (EBRPSS) seniors experienced a second first day of class this semester.  On Wednesday, August 22, they entered the campus of Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) as first-time freshmen. 

The students are enrolled at BRCC as part of the joint Early College Program with the EBRPSS.  Twenty students were selected by computerized randomization.  Eligible seniors must require only English IV and either math or science to graduate and a have a 2.5 composite grade point average.  The program is geared toward students who have a strong desire to succeed.

Under the agreement between BRCC and EBRPSS, tuition and the cost of books are waived for students.  They will take a full course load of 12 semester credits in the fall and spring.  In May, the students will have completed a full freshman year of college with a total of 24 credits.  The student’s class schedule includes psychology, world civilization, fundamentals of speech and college success skills.

Kristin Signater was among the students whose name was selected for enrollment.  “I plan to be a brain surgeon, and I’ve read it takes 18 years of school to become one. I think starting college early will help speed up the process.”  The Belaire High senior says she hopes more students will consider applying for the Early College Program.

During orientation activities, Superintendent Charlotte Placide encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunity by learning as much as they can while attending classes at BRCC. She also reminded them that while they are away from their high schools, they are still representing the EBRPSS. “I expect you to conduct yourselves in the same manner you would on your high school campus while attending classes here,” she said. 

BRCC Chancellor Dr. Myrtle Dorsey cautioned students that the atmosphere on a college campus is different from high school. “Do not leave your books in the classroom, no one will come and find you to give it back to you. You must be responsible,” she said.   Dr. Dorsey also explained to parents the security measures BRCC has taken to keep the campus safe. “We have security cameras in every corridor and on the exteriors of every building,” she said.

This is the second year EBRPSS and BRCC have partnered in this program.