Considering a career in auto collision repair and wondering about college credit opportunities while still in high school? Kansas City Kansas Community College’s Technical Education Center (KCKCC-TEC) offers a fantastic dual enrollment program for high school juniors and seniors. This allows you to get a head start on your automotive career, earning both high school and college credits. Let’s dive into understanding how many credits you can earn in auto collision repair at KCKCC and what this program entails.
Understanding KCKCC-TEC and Dual Enrollment for Auto Collision Repair
KCKCC-TEC provides hands-on, technical training programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment or further education. For ambitious high school students interested in the automotive field, particularly auto collision and refinishing, the dual enrollment program is an invaluable opportunity. Dual enrollment means you can take college-level courses at KCKCC-TEC and receive credit for both your high school graduation requirements and your future college degree or certificate at KCKCC. This jumpstarts your post-secondary education while still benefiting from your high school resources and support.
Auto Collision Repair Program at KCKCC: Credit Earning Potential
While the exact number of credits for the Auto Collision Repair program can vary and is best confirmed directly with KCKCC, participating in the dual enrollment program allows you to earn college credit towards the full Auto Collision and Refinishing program at KCKCC. The program is designed to give you foundational skills and knowledge in auto body repair, and the credits earned during your junior and senior years are a significant step towards completing the full program after high school graduation.
Typically, technical programs at community colleges are structured in credit hours. Each course within the Auto Collision Repair program will be assigned a specific number of credit hours based on the course workload and duration. By successfully completing courses within the Auto Collision Repair track at KCKCC-TEC as a dual enrollment student, you accumulate these college credits.
To get a precise answer to “how many credits is auto collision repair at KCKCC” during dual enrollment, it’s recommended to:
- Contact your high school counselor: They will have specific information regarding the dual enrollment agreement with KCKCC and the courses available for credit.
- Reach out to KCKCC-TEC directly: The TEC advisors can provide detailed curriculum information for the Auto Collision and Refinishing program, including the credit breakdown for dual enrollment students.
- Visit the KCKCC website: Look for the Technical Education Center or Auto Collision Repair program pages for program details and credit information.
Keep in mind that the goal of the high school dual enrollment is often to provide an introduction to the field and a pathway into the full program. You may not complete the entire Auto Collision Repair certificate or degree solely through dual enrollment, but you will earn valuable credits that significantly reduce the time and cost of your post-secondary education.
Program Curriculum and Expectations at KCKCC-TEC
The Auto Collision Repair program at KCKCC-TEC, even for dual enrollment students, is a college-level course. This means you will be held to high standards in terms of attendance, attitude, and academic performance. KCKCC emphasizes the importance of attendance for skill development, and their policies regarding absences are strictly enforced. You will be expected to maintain a satisfactory GPA (typically above 2.0) to continue in the program.
The curriculum is designed to be demanding and industry-relevant, preparing you for the realities of a career in auto collision repair. Evaluations before enrollment ensure that students have the necessary reading and math skills to succeed in the program and meet industry expectations.
Enrollment and Application Process for High School Students
To enroll in the Auto Collision Repair program at KCKCC-TEC as a high school student, you’ll need to go through a specific application process:
- Approval from your high school: Both your high school and KCKCC-TEC must approve your enrollment. Start by discussing your interest with your high school counselor.
- KCKCC Application: Complete the KCKCC online Application for Admission.
- Questionnaire: Fill out a questionnaire to provide insights into your career goals and aspirations in auto collision repair.
- High School Recommendation Form: Submit a high school Technical Education Enrollment Recommendation Form.
- Accuplacer Testing (if required): Some programs, including possibly Auto Collision Repair, may require minimum scores on the reading portion of the Accuplacer test.
- IEP (if applicable): If you have an Individual Education Plan (IEP), it must be submitted with your application materials.
Enrollment typically happens in the spring (before April) for programs starting in the following school year. Contact your high school’s College and Career Facilitator for specific deadlines and assistance with the enrollment process.
Program Schedule and Getting Started
The Auto Collision Repair program for high school students at KCKCC-TEC generally follows a specific daily schedule. Typically, programs are offered in the morning (7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.) or afternoon (11:20 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.). It’s important to note that you are expected to attend TEC even when your home high school is not in session, aligning with the KCKCC schedule.
Taking the first step towards a career in auto collision repair through KCKCC-TEC’s dual enrollment program is a smart move. While the precise number of credits for auto collision repair will depend on the specific courses you take and program structure, you will gain invaluable skills, experience, and college credit, setting you on the path to a successful career in the automotive industry. Reach out to KCKCC-TEC and your high school counselor today to explore this exciting opportunity and get exact details on credit accumulation for the Auto Collision Repair program.
