Enrollment for Free Summer Course Under Way

East Central College is once again offering a free summer class to soon-to-be high school juniors and seniors, but under a new name.

The First Class Tuition Pass, formerly known as Three for Free, is available to the Class of 2022 and the Class of 2023, and it allows for students to take one summer tuition-free course.

This is the third year that ECC is offering a free course to high school students, according to Early College Programs Director Megen Strubberg.

“The college is excited to offer this opportunity again because it allows high school students the chance to get a jump start on their college coursework,” she said. “Affordability is an important consideration for all students and families evaluating college choices, and the ability to take a course for just the cost of fees and books is a real benefit.”

Strubberg added that she hopes the program is as well received this year as it was last year.

There were 122 students participating last year, a 22 percent increase from the 100 students who took part in 2019, the inaugural year of the program.

“The success of this program is due in a large part to our area high school counselors encouraging students to take advantage of the opportunity,” Strubberg added. “The parents of high school and homeschool students also have been hearing about the program, which has contributed significantly to its success.”

The program is for students who have a 3.0 cumulative high school grade point average or higher. Students must sign up before classes begin Tuesday, June 1.

The First Class Tuition Pass program provides students with a chance to take one tuition-free summer course, up to five credit hours.

Students are only responsible for fees and textbooks. The program is available in Union, Rolla and online. For in-person classes, students can expect to pay between $10 to $30 in fees per course. Online course fees are $45. Text book costs are in addition to course fees.

Strubberg noted that the intent of the program is to encourage students to continue taking dual credit classes during the summer. The program is part of an ECC strategic plan goal to increase opportunities for college credit for students in the community.

Students may begin the enrollment process for First Class Tuition Pass at www.eastcentral.edu/earlycollege/summerpass/.