The Accreditation Commission of the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships has reaffirmed accreditation to the College Connections program at SUNY Jamestown Community College.
College Connections partners SUNY JCC with area school districts to provide high school students the opportunity to earn high school and college credit by completing JCC courses taught in their school district by JCC-trained and supported teachers. The content, assignments, projects, and assessments in the courses are consistent with those taught on the college’s campuses. Course completion earns the student JCC credit, which is verified on their official transcript. This makes the credits transferable to other colleges and universities.
Nationwide there are 134 NACEP-accredited programs like College Connections available in 26 states. NACEP is the nation’s only accrediting body for these unique educational partnerships. NACEP accreditation means an institution has met the nation’s most rigorous standard in concurrent enrollment program development. JCC first earned NACEP accreditation in 2009.
“We currently partner with 36 high schools in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties,” said Jade Barber, director of High School Partnerships for JCC. “Last year we offered 82 different college courses through College Connections. It’s a great opportunity for students to get a head start on college by earning college credits and learning what’s expected of them as a college student.”
Barber said approximately 2,300 students earned more than 18,600 college credits last year through the program.
NACEP’s standards are the model criteria for ensuring consistency in faculty, course content, student outcomes, and support across all accredited programs. Initial accreditation was granted to just three new concurrent programs this year.
“There are thousands of great programs in the nation, but only 134 actually took the step to open up their policies and practices for an independent review,” said Amy Williams, executive director at NACEP. “NACEP accredited programs are bold, brave, and have committed to ensuring that quality is enshrined in policy and practice. Every student deserves a quality experience in their dual enrollment program.”
To earn accreditation, concurrent enrollment programs conduct a self-study, document how their programs adhere to NACEP’s 16 standards, and undergo a rigorous peer-review process conducted by a team of representatives from NACEP accredited programs, as well as the members of the NACEP Accreditation Commission. NACEP’s accreditation is valid for five years initially, and seven years for programs that are reaccredited between accreditation reviews. JCC’s accreditation is valid through the 2030-2031 academic year.
NACEP will recognize accredited programs and their accomplishments at their 2024 National Conference planned for October 27-29 in Orlando.
Explore the College Connections program at JCC at sunyjcc.edu/CollegeConnections.