HELENA -- A leisurely stroll westward from Helena College, a public community college in the Montana University System, sits Carroll College, a private 4-year college institution.
Now, students at Helena College have the opportunity to move from one to the other with the co-admission agreement starting in the fall of 2020, both schools announced June 3.
This is a program that’s been a positive outcome from a longstanding relationship between the two schools said Acting Dean of Helena College Sandy Bauman.
"We've been talking about this specific relationship, this partnership, for the last year," said Bauman. "We just think it's such a great opportunity for the people of Helena to be able to start their education and have the opportunity for a four-year without leaving town."
In order to be eligible for the program Students at Helena College need to apply for the co-admission agreement before completing their first 30 credit hours.
The program automatically guarantees Students admission Carroll, access to academic advisers and a financial aid package; something Carroll Dean Dr. John Cech hopes a good number of students take advantage of in the future.
"I would hope over the next several years, I would love to see 100 students," said Cech. "I would love to see a good number of people here locally say, this is a fantastic opportunity for students in Helena to complete their bachelor's degree."
Bauman also said one of the added benefits of the program is aimed at those who aren’t able to simply pick up and move in search of higher education
“We know a lot of people are very interested in just staying in Helena," said Bauman. "There are some students who don't have the option to leave Helena. And we wouldn't want their opportunities for an education to be limited.”