SALISBURY — Rowan-Cabarrus Community College has announced changes and expansion to a program that allows high school juniors and seniors to receive college credit tuition-free.
 The program, Career and College Promise, was revamped at the state level this year and provides a focused means for students to begin completion of college transfer credits or career training prior to their graduation from high school. Courses under Career and College Promise are offered to high school students with no charge for tuition.
 “The classes are truly an alternative to advanced placement – they are weighted just like honors classes,” said Dr. Rod Townley, vice president of academic programs. “Unlike advanced placement courses that are taught locally and tested for credit nationally, as long as students pass with a C or better, they  are guaranteed full college credit.”
Students have the opportunity to earn up to 36 hours of college and high school credit simultaneously. 
 “The other perk of this opportunity is getting to experience real college classes – students ultimately feel better prepared when they head off to a four-year college or university l because they’re already confident in their ability to do college work,” said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus.
 Rowan-Cabarrus offers a variety of pathways for students who are interested in pursuing a College Transfer or a Career Technical pathway. Students choosing the College Transfer pathway can choose between: engineering and mathematics, humanities and social science, business and economics or life and health science
 Students may also earn a college credits toward a credential, certificate or diploma in a technical career. These Career Technical pathways allow students to explore potential career areas including: automotive technology, cosmetology, criminal justice, early childhood. esthetics, simulation and gaming design, manicuring and nail technology, engineering, computer integrated machining, motorsports management and web technology design
 Eligible high school students may earn:
g College credit which is completely transferable to all UNC system institutions, as well as many private schools and out-of-state colleges or
g College credit toward a credential, certificate or diploma in a technical career.
Upon meeting eligibility requirements, students may enroll in a college transfer pathway or a career-technical pathway. Eligible students may choose to enroll in a college transfer pathway, as well as a career technical pathway. Students also have the option to change pathways of study each semester.
Cabarrus County schools have partnered with the college for spring semester 2013 to hold four-week, three-credit hour classes. These month-long classes are rigorous, but the hybrid online/in-class format allows students to quickly complete a class in a very short amount of time.
For more information about the free tuition available to high school juniors and seniors, visit www.rccc.edu/ccp.