Early College Degree Program

HCC announces new name for its Early College Programs

Officials at Hagerstown Community College recently announced a name change for its Early College Programs that were previously known as the Middle College and the ESSENCE Program. Each of these programs allows high school students the opportunity to take college classes, and in some cases, complete associate degrees, prior to high school graduation.

“With changes from The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future on the horizon and set to make early college accessible for more high school students, we wanted to be sure the name reflects exactly what HCC is providing – Early College,” said HCC President Jim Klauber. “We have two distinct programs that have given us a proven track record in helping thousands of degree-seeking high school students start and finish college earlier than they would have otherwise.”

The Early College Degree Program (formerly the Middle College) allows college-ready high school students to attend HCC full-time during their junior and senior years of high school, with the goal to complete associate degrees as they earn their high school diplomas.

The Early College Access Program (formerly the ESSENCE Program) allows high school students the opportunity to get a jump start on college courses, either on the HCC campus or through dual-enrollment courses at their high schools.

HCC has more than 900 high school students enrolled in its Early College Programs each year, with 65 of those currently in the Early College Degree Program. HCC’s Early College students have transferred their credits to four-year colleges and universities around the country, giving them a head start on their college education and saving thousands of dollars in the process.

To learn more about HCC’s Early College Programs, visit www.hagerstowncc.edu/earlycollege.

(September 29, 2022)