GF High School Students Earn College Credit

Students in Mrs. Ryberg's speech class at Central High School in Grand Forks do not have to give their speeches in class for another few days. As they practice, it is a reminder that it is never too early to get a head start.

"I've never really been good at public speaking, but, it's getting better. It's nice to take something that will help me in life," said junior, Ted Helgeson while brushing up on his speaking skills.

This high school speech class will help Helgeson and his classmates after life in the Grand Forks School district, because in this class, they also get college credit.

"For the career I want, this class will be necessary to take. So, I will already have this out of the way, which is nice," said junior Mike McGurran.

This is the second year the Grand Forks Public School District and Lake Region State College have offered dual credit classes in speech, history, composition and government.

The dual credit classes are just like regular high school classes, except students can get a head start in college by transferring the credits they get to universities in the area.

This year the district is offering two more college level classes, biology and english, to the 458 students that are signed up. This year's total is an increase of over 200 students.

"I think it bridges the gap between high school and colleges. It allows them to stay in a setting they are comfortable with in high school, yet get the experience of a college classroom," said English and Speech teacher Bridget Ryberg.

"In college you have all these other things to worry about. You're on your own for the first time, money issues, you have to work. But, getting it done now, I feel myself stepping into the future," said junior Jenna Wheeler.

These types of classes are also cost effective. Because they have a bigger presence Grand Forks and in high schools around America, cash has a bigger presence in students' wallets.

"It helps with tuition because you don't have to take care of the books and everything is provided for you," said Helgeson.

Tags: dual credit classes, college classes, central high school, brady mallory, news