‘Pearland pioneers’ begin dual credit program at San Jacinto College

San Jacinto College and Pearland ISD have established the first dual credit technical program designed specifically for Pearland High School (PHS) students.

The 15 ‘Pearland pioneers’, PHS juniors and seniors, were welcomed at San Jacinto College on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 as they began their first dual credit courses in cosmetology. The students will complete two years of course work, including summer courses, at San Jacinto College to earn a Cosmetology Operator Certificate of Technology in addition to earning high school credit for graduation.

“The students will enter the program at the beginning of their junior year and will earn their certificate of technology approximately two weeks before their high school graduation,” said Pam Campbell, San Jacinto College south dual credit coordinator.

“Our program offers students 1,500 contact hours compared to the traditional High School programs offering 1,000,” said Mary Lindsay, San Jacinto College south cosmetology department chair. “Students receiving hands on experience while accumulating 1500 contact hours are better prepared to pass the state licensure exam and are more valuable to our industry partners.”

PHS has provided transportation for the students to travel to the San Jacinto College south campus to attend their classes from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. During their first semester, the students will take Orientation to Cosmetology and Introduction to Haircutting.

Students enrolled in their local high school or home school programs are eligible for dual credit courses at San Jacinto College. For more information about the San Jacinto College dual credit program call 281-998-6150 or e-mail information@sjcd.edu .