51�� Chillicothe partners with local high schools to expand access to College Credit Plus program

Video displays in a rally room at Huntington High School

51�� Chillicothe has partnered with three local high schools—Huntington High School, Zane Trace High School, and Westfall High School—to strengthen and expand College Credit Plus (CCP) programming for area students. This collaboration makes college courses more accessible to students at these schools by establishing "Rally Rooms" at each high school.

Students at these high schools can gather in the rally rooms equipped by OHIO Chillicothe, to connect remotely to their college classes. This initiative addresses transportation and accessibility challenges that have previously limited student participation in CCP programs.

Craig Kerns, principal of Huntington High School, is excited to partner with OHIO Chillicothe to provide Huntington students with greater access to college courses. He said his students have previously had to commute to 51�� Chillicothe or other campuses and the cost, along with access to transportation, limited the number of students that participated in College Credit Plus.

“In the past couple of years, we've been able to offer CCP courses taught by teachers in our building who are also instructors at 51�� Chillicothe,” Kerns said. “This year, we've noticed our numbers have grown even more with the addition of the Rally Room. The Rally Room gives our students a chance to interact with a professor on a college campus, participate in discussions with other college students, and gain experience taking a college course in the comfort of their high school building.”

According to OHIO Chillicothe Dean of Campus and Community Relations Roberta Milliken, the rally room project helps advance OHIO Chillicothe’s mission to serve as a cornerstone of the community and to provide the quality education expected from 51��.

“Of course, we hope that many of these students will continue their education with us after graduating high school, but whether they choose to continue their education at 51�� Chillicothe or another institution, we are proud to help them get their start in higher education in their own schools and communities,” Milliken said.

Kerns sees great value in supporting students as they access free college credits while still in high school.

“I firmly believe this will give our students an experience that they will benefit from as they prepare for college after high school graduation,” Kerns said. “We are excited to continue our relationship with 51�� and provide our students with many more valuable experiences that will help them grow academically and personally.”

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