Parkland High School student Alexandria Maaser was one of 19 Early College students who graduated this spring from Lehigh Carbon Community College, after completing the requirements for an associate of applied science degree in general studies.

They were among 526 LCCC students earning their degrees in May.

Although commencement ceremonies were canceled, these students will be recognized with graduates from Dec. 2019, May 2020 and Aug. 2020 in a virtual ceremony on Aug. 12.

Early College students are high school students who simultaneously earn their high school diploma and their college degree.

Fifteen Early College students participated in the 2019 commencement ceremonies.

In addition to the Early College program, over the past academic year a total of 2,384 high school students took courses in the Dual Enrollment program in classes that count towards high school graduation.

The Early College program is a partnership between the college and the school districts to provide students with pathways to employability and career readiness, as well as early access to higher education.

The two-year Early College program leads to an associate of arts degree in general studies.

Early College students take a full-time credit load each semester starting in the fall of their junior year.

In most cases, courses are offered at the high school campus, but students may also take courses at the college, including the Donley Center in downtown Allentown, as well as online.

All Early College courses are approved by the school district for high school graduation credit.

For more information on the Early College or Dual Enrollment programs, contact Jennifer Aquila at JAquila@LCCC.edu.