New Program by TCC and NSU will Transform Educational Experience for Broken Arrow Students

A new dual credit program offers Broken Arrow High School students the opportunity to graduate high school with a diploma and earn an associate degree from Tulsa Community College. Then, the student has the option to seamlessly transfer to Northeast State University to complete a bachelor’s degree.

“TCC serves nearly 2,000 concurrent students statewide maintaining the same rigorous college-level coursework as their college peers. We know this program develops new college graduates while at the same time trains Tulsa’s workforce,” said TCC President & CEO Leigh B. Goodson, Ph.D. “Concurrent enrollment has broad community support because it helps students obtain a high quality education while helping our state meet its demand for an educated workforce.”

Tulsa Community College’s Dual Credit to College Degree, two plus two program is a partnership between Broken Arrow Public Schools, TCC and NSU.

Broken Arrow students have been identified to participate based on PSAT scores and those selected for the program will begin their college coursework this summer. Participating students can earn up to 60 hours of college credit and complete a TCC Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts while also satisfying their high school graduation requirements.

“We hope this unique opportunity for our students in Broken Arrow to be triple-enrolled will create a model for schools to follow around the nation,” said Dr. Janet Dunlop, Broken Arrow Public Schools Superintendent. “This will change the face of our community and provide employers a huge incentive to grow their own workforce here in Broken Arrow.”

Broken Arrow students will be required to apply to the Dual Credit to College Degree program. The college courses will be taught by TCC faculty with a majority of the classes on the NSUBA campus. If needed, Broken Arrow will provide transportation to and from the high school.

“This agreement is the result of many hours of work to shape this commitment among all parties to work in the best interest of our community. NSU is proud to be a partner in this outstanding project.” Dr. Steve Turner, President, Northeastern State University.

The Dual Credit to College Degree program offers significant cost savings for students to complete a college degree. Research shows students who take college courses while still in high school are more likely to graduate high school and earn a college degree.

“This is a wonderful example of Oklahoma colleges and universities working together with a K-12 partner to provide a low-cost option for our students,” said Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. “I applaud Dr. Turner and Dr. Goodson for working with Dr. Dunlop to provide a unique opportunity for Broken Arrow students to earn a college degree that is affordable and gets students into the workplace sooner.”