Four College Now students from the Shawnee Mission and Blue Valley school districts are taking advantage of the program and the opportunities that arise from participating in it. In September, Victor Zaharopoulos and Jessica Himes from the Shawnee Mission district and Shireen Usman and Hillary Bernhardt from the Blue Valley district all had the opportunity to attend a special breakfast with Senator Sam Brownback and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush to listen to important education reform issues.

All four found the event to be interesting and rewarding. "As a College Now student with political interests, I was invited to attend the breakfast by the teacher of American National Government at JCCC," says Bernhardt. Usman comments, "It was an enriching experience. I was able to hear firsthand the opinions of some of the leaders of this country." Himes adds, "I love politics and jumped at the chance to hear two major political figures speak."

The political speakers at the breakfast stressed that higher standards in Kansas schools were necessary to keep up with other nations like China, Brazil and India. Zaharopoulos says, "Understanding the education system of Kansas compared to other places is an obligation as a student of this state."

JCCC's College program allows high school students like these to take college-level courses without ever leaving their school. College Now students are able to get a jump start on their college education and learn how college- level courses work. Faculty on the high school campuses teach the College Now courses using JCCC-approved curriculum. Students also have access to JCCC resources and extra opportunities for learning.

When asked how these students felt about the College Now program, they all agreed it was a great program with lots of benefits. Usman says of the program, "College Now is great because it is so easy to participate in." Bernhardt explains that "the grade I receive from my high school teacher is the grade that will appear on my JCCC transcript." And Zaharopoulos adds, "I would tell any student who is on the fence about the College Now program to sign up if in doubt. Having college credits already in the bag when enrolling is a major advantage that could cut down on costs and have a great effect on which college you decide to attend."

If you are a high school sophomore, junior or senior or a freshman identified as gifted with a current IEP, and are interested in becoming a College Now student, visit with your school's College Now representative or check out the College Now page.