Early Scholars

Earn College Credit While You’re Still in High School — at No Cost

If you are a Philadelphia resident entering 11th or 12th grade or under the age of 21 and actively pursuing a GED or high school equivalency credential, you may be eligible to take college courses at Community College of Philadelphia and earn up to 12 credits a year free of charge. You will not pay for tuition, books or fees, and you can choose from a variety of courses. Early Scholars is made possible through the Octavius Catto Scholarship, a partnership with the City of Philadelphia.

What Are the Advantages?
  • Get a head start on your college education and earn credits for free
  • Courses may fulfill both high school graduation and college credit requirements
  • Learn what it’s like to take a college course so you’ll be better prepared for college
  • Reduce or eliminate the need for developmental courses in college
How We Help You Achieve Success

College staff are dedicated to answering your questions and connecting you with academic and support services offered at the College:

  • Virtual student support services
  • Academic tutoring via the Learning Labs
  • Access to the College’s virtual Library and databases
  • Academic and career guidance
  • Reasonable accommodations through the Center on Disability
Locations

Courses are offered online, and at our Main Campus and three Regional Centers.

Eligibility Requirements

You must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Be a Philadelphia resident
  • Be an 11th or 12th grade high school student, or under the age of 21 and actively pursuing a GED or high school equivalency credential
  • Complete an online application, FERPA form and the Early Scholars Intent form
  • Place at college level or one level below in English and Math (see placement level information here).

Note: Students currently enrolled in dual enrollment partner programs are not eligible for Early Scholars.

Important Dates and Deadlines for Summer 2024

March 18, 2024

Summer registration open for all students

April 22, 2024

Early Summer application deadline for new students: Final deadline for application, FERPA and consent form, and placement for courses starting on May 13, 2024 (14A and 7A courses)

May 3, 2024

Summer 2024 registration final deadline for courses starting in May (14A and 7A)

May 3, 2024

Early Scholars intent form due for those seeking funding for 14A and 7A summer courses

May 13, 2024

Summer 2024 term begins (14A and 7A)

June 24, 2024

Late Summer application deadline for new students: Final deadline for application, FERPA and consent form, and placement for courses starting on July 9, 2024

June 24, 2024

Early Scholars intent form due for those seeking this funding for 7-week summer courses

June 28, 2024

Summer 2024 registration deadline for courses starting in July (7N)

July 9, 2024

Late Summer 2024 7-week courses begin

 
How to Apply

Existing Students: If you previously applied to the Advance at College dual enrollment program, completed the FERPA form and satisfied placement, you do not need to re-apply. You will be sent an email with a link to the Early Scholars Intent form.

New Students: Follow these steps in the order they are laid out to expedite your application. Please read through these steps prior to starting the application so you have all necessary information available.

  • Create a College account providing all required information. The academic program is not required, but if answered, choose non-matriculated. Create a password and click “create account.”
  • Next, click “Start New Application” and complete the application in full.
  • The application has 5 sections. Click SAVE and CONTINUE at the bottom of each page. Your Social Security Number is required. If you do not have a social security number, please follow the instructions provided within the application.
  1. Personal: this section will be partially prepopulated with information you provided when you created your account. Complete any missing information.
  2. Demographics: Complete required information.
  3. Plans: choose Non-Matriculated as the Academic Program. Choose Dual Enrollment for the Student Type and then select Advance@College as the high school program.
  4. Academics: Provide your high school information.
  5. Signature
  • Preview your completed application before submitting it and then click “Save.”
    1. After completing the application, you will be brought back to the dashboard and you will see the application in the “My Applications” window. Please note the status of your application and edit it if needed.
    2. Complete and return the FERPA/Consent form. The PDF is editable so you can fill out the information and sign it digitally or if you have access to a printer, please follow the steps below:
      • Print the form
      • Student signs form
      • Parent/Guardian signs form
      • Scan or take a photo of both sides of the signed form
      • Email the signed form (scanned copy or photo) to your high school counselor or principal. Have them sign it and forward it to advanceatcollege@ccp.edu. If they are unable to sign the form, ask them to indicate in the text of the email that you have permission to participate in Advance at College.

    If you have no way to access the forms to sign by hand or digitally, please send us an email and let us know. We are working daily to provide an alternative means for signature.

    1. Satisfy college placement. After completing your application, you will receive an email outlining steps to satisfy placement. Details about placement can be found here.
    2. Once the application is accepted, you will be sent an email with information about course selection and other required documents. Please check your junk/spam folder.
    Questions?

    If you have questions or need clarification about Early Scholars please contact Christina Dixon, Coordinator, K-16 Special Projects, at cdixon@ccp.edu