One of the major benefits of the program, Jones said, is that it is offered on high school campuses in an environment with which the students are already familiar. The transition to college can often be difficult for many students. Just because the students in these classes are high school students doesn't lessen the expectations for performance. Another significant benefit of the program is its low cost. Class fees are waived completely, and fees such as parking do not apply since the courses are held on high school campuses.
Students pay only for their books.
And the students themselves seem ready for the challenge. Jones, who taught political science through the After School program, said that high school students who take a college course are dedicated, motivated, and interested in learning. The After School College program began two years ago as part of Mt. SAC's high school outreach efforts to strenghten its connections with high schools in the Mt. SAC District. High schools that have offered the After School College courses include Baldwin High School, Bassett High School, Bonita High School, Charter Oak High School, the East San Gabriel Valley Regional Occupational Program, La Puente High School, Rowland High School, San Dimas High School, Sierra Vista High School, and Walnut High School. 4306 or ext.