South Texas College Dual Credit Programs earned national recognition after being selected to participate in a research study conducted by the Community College Research Center at Teachers College, Columbia University.

The study examined how colleges can strategically invest limited resources to sustainably scale practices that provide students with more purposeful and impactful dual enrollment experiences.

Based on its findings, the research team expressed admiration for STC’s dual credit model, highlighting the support systems, intentional practices and institutional resources that help sustain dual enrollment efforts while expanding access and success for underserved high school students.

“Being selected by the Community College Research Center at Columbia University is an incredible honor for South Texas College,” said Rebecca De Leon, Ph. D., associate vice president for Dual Credit Programs and School District Partnerships. “It affirms the intentional work taking place across our 21 school district partnerships and highlights the success of our dual credit students, faculty and partners on a national level.

“At South Texas College, dual credit is more than simply getting students into college classrooms,” continued De Leon. “We intentionally align curriculum with high school endorsements and industry-based credentials, while providing robust advising and support systems so students thrive every step of the way. Additionally, as the first and only National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships accredited dual credit program in the state of Texas, we ensure that our students receive a top-tier college experience with credits that count toward meaningful degrees, careers and transfer opportunities.”