High School Students: Spring 2025 enrollment now available for ESU's Jump Start program

by Brian Osbourn

Emporia, KS (12/02/2024) — Emporia State University is expanding its Jump Start program, which offers high school juniors and seniors the chance to earn college credits at just $21 per credit hour. Students interested in enrolling for the spring 2025 semester can register at any time but are encouraged to do so by mid-December.

ESU's concurrent high school enrollment grew by a remarkable 156% between fall 2023 and fall 2024, an increase directly attributable to the program.

Partnerships with teachers and school counselors at local high schools, including Emporia High School and others in Lyon County and the surrounding area, are crucial for connecting students to the program and helping to facilitate the quick and easy enrollment process.

Flexible class schedules, with morning, afternoon, in-person and online options, accommodate students' needs. This year, the program expanded to offer more seats and additional core general education courses. Most 100 to 200 level courses are eligible to students in the program.

While many high school students benefit from starting their college journey early, others join to preview college life and campus offerings. For some students, the program offers a chance to see whether college is the right choice. Some students also seek the challenge of advanced academics.

"Taking college courses while still in high school can be a great start to a college experience," said Mary Shivley, dean of the ESU Honors College and assistant director of admissions. "You will be taught by excellent faculty to help prepare you to be a successful student."

Students can earn a total of 36 college credits if participating in both their junior and senior year, which is 30% of the minimum hours required for a bachelor's degree.

Jump Start students have access to ESU campus resources such as the William Allen White Library, Academic Center for Excellence and Student Success, Memorial Union, Canvas and IT Help Desk support. In spring 2025, students will have a peer mentor to assist with tutoring and provide support and guidance.

Each semester begins with a Jump Start orientation hosted by Shivley. An in-person version is planned for Jan. 8 from 9 to 11 a.m. in William Allen White Library, Room 400B. An online version will be Jan. 8 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Entering its second semester, the Jump Start program is an ongoing effort in ESU's plan to invest in successful programs and make the cost of higher education more affordable for students and their families.

For more information, to apply to the program or enroll if already accepted, go online: www.emporia.edu/jumpstart.

Shivley and the admissions team are available to visit local high schools by contacting Shivley by email at mshivley@emporia.edu or by calling (620) 481-1790. For admissions information, contact Angie Morales Garcia, admissions counselor, at amorales@emporia.edu or (620) 341-5141.

About Emporia State University

Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its institute and seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business & Technology, Humanities & Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, Library and Information Management & Library and Archives, Science & Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.

As the sole public university in Kansas to be recognized as a College of Distinction for eight consecutive years, ESU stands out for its innovative education practices. It ensures accessible education by offering in-state tuition rates to full-time undergraduate students from all lower-48 United States. Additionally, full-time undergraduates benefit from flat-rate tuition - students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with at least one credit hour on campus pay a flat rate.

For more information on how to build your future at Emporia State University, please visit www.emporia.edu.

Emporia State University

High School Students: Spring 2025 enrollment now available for ESU's Jump Start program

Emporia State University

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