About the BNY Early College Program
CCAC’s BNY Early College Program provides a structured approach to dual enrollment, which enables teenagers to take college-level classes while they’re in high school.
This program enables high schoolers in Allegheny County to study one of three professional tracks: Accounting, Business or Computer Information Technology. Students may take just a few classes—or complete an entire college certificate. These certificates provide an excellent foundation for students to either continue their education or join the workforce directly.
The BNY Early College Program is completely free to eligible students in Allegheny County! All tuition, fees and books are funded by a generous grant from the BNY Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Who Is Eligible?
The BNY Early College Program is open to high schoolers in 11th and 12th grade (or the home-school equivalent) who reside in Allegheny County.
Ninth and 10th graders or students who are under 16 years old may participate in the BNY Early College Program if they provide a written letter of recommendation from a teacher or a school counselor. These students will need to take and pass all three CCAC placement tests, regardless of the course(s) they want to enroll in. This will be reviewed by a committee of CCAC representatives, who will recommend an admission decision.
Is It Really Free?
The BNY Early College Program is completely free to eligible high school students in Allegheny County!
In 2020, BNY announced a $20 million multi-year commitment in support of vital educational and workforce development programming. CCAC was one of two institutions selected to receive this targeted funding, which allowed the college to establish the BNY Early College Program.
The program is available to all schools and school districts in Allegheny County to help expand access to college and career readiness for those who may or may not have the resources to do so on their own.
Learn more about each certificate’s subject and course requirements by visiting their pages in the CCAC catalog:
- Accounting
- Business
- Computer Information Technology
Credit Courses for 9th and 10th Graders
To apply:
- Complete and submit the BNY Early College interest form.
- Complete and submit to EarlyCollegeProgram@ccac.edu a W-9 form to receive your stipend for successful completion of your courses.
- Complete and submit the CCAC Dual Enrollment Application.
- Complete the CCAC Parent/Guardian Authorization Form and submit to EarlyCollegeProgram@ccac.edu.
- Ask your high school official to send your transcript to EarlyCollegeProgram@ccac.edu.
- Participate in a New Student Onboarding Session.
- Ninth and 10th graders who are interested in taking credit courses must take and pass all three CCAC placement tests. Once the placement tests have been completed, you must complete this docusign and be reviewed by a committee for an admission decision.
- Provide a letter of recommendation from a teacher or a school counselor sent to EarlyCollegeProgram@ccac.edu.
- Not all classes are offered each semester. It is recommended that you meet with an academic advisor to discuss your academic goals and plan your schedule. To meet with an academic advisor, visit this link.
Credit Courses for 11th and 12th Graders
To apply:*
- Complete and submit the BNY Early College interest form.
- Complete and submit to EarlyCollegeProgram@ccac.edu a W-9 form to receive your stipend for successful completion of your courses.
- Complete and submit the CCAC Dual Enrollment Application.
- Complete the CCAC Parent/Guardian Authorization Form and submit to EarlyCollegeProgram@ccac.edu.
- Ask your high school official to send your transcript to EarlyCollegeProgram@ccac.edu.
- Participate in a New Student Onboarding Session.
- Complete any required placement tests.
- Not all classes are offered each semester. It is recommended that you meet with an academic advisor to discuss your academic goals and plan your schedule. To meet with an academic advisor, visit this link.
*NOTE: Continuing BNY Early College students are not required to resubmit the forms indicated above.
Please note that if you are not yet in 11th grade or are under 16 years old, you must provide a letter of recommendation from a teacher or a school counselor. Please submit your letter of recommendation to EarlyCollegeProgram@ccac.edu.
If you have any questions or need help, please contact us for assistance.
"Early College at Community College of Allegheny County is an amazing opportunity for all students. The courses and professors are excellent and provide a wonderful learning experience. I feel fortunate to attend CCAC to earn credits, while I am in high school."