CHATTANOOGA, TN -- Chattanooga State Community College invites homeschool students and their parents to step into a world of opportunity during upcoming Early College Parent Nights this spring. These informative sessions are designed to illuminate the path to college credit for homeschool students, offering insights, resources, and support. 

What is dual enrollment, and who is eligible?  

At ChattState, dual enrollment opens doors for students to earn college credit while completing high school.  

Any rising freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior who is enrolled with a Tennessee High School or recognized homeschool organization qualifies to participate in dual enrollment, allowing them access to all the resources and support services available to traditional students. From math labs to writing labs, and from counseling services to a food pantry, ChattState is dedicated to making the college a place where everyone can learn without limits. 

One unique challenge often faced by homeschooled students is the lack of access to a school counselor, someone who would help a traditional student navigate the enrollment process. At ChattState, outreach specialists and TCAT dual enrollment coordinators are standing by to answer questions and help students apply for both dual enrollment courses and Dual Enrollment Grant funding. 

Financial Aid is Here to Help 

High school juniors and seniors are eligible to apply for a dual-enrollment grant, which provides five free classes and five discounted classes — students can receive $100 per credit hour toward tuition in their sixth through tenth classes. 

Dual Enrollment Grant funding for students interested in attending a Tennessee College of Applied Technology is available to all freshmen and above. 

Dual enrollment coordinators can help students access other forms of aid as well. 

Ready to take the next step? Join us for Early College Parent Nights: 

• Kimball Campus: April 30, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Central 
• Chattanooga Campus: May 2, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Eastern 

A Student Finds Success 

Dual-enrolled student Carolina S. came to ChattState during her sophomore year of high school in search of more rigorous math classes and in hopes of getting a head start on her college journey. 

She said the admissions process was easy with the help of staff members like Kelsey Jones and Kimberly Seifert, who assisted her with submitting an application and choosing classes based on her preferences, goals, and interests. Although she is only a junior in high school, Carolina said she will graduate soon with an associate degree in criminal justice. 

An ambitious learner, Carolina ultimately intends to earn a chemical engineering degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. After that, she aims to attend law school. 

“Chattanooga State has definitely better prepared me for the next steps of my life,” she said. “I feel like I've already been very well prepared for what’s to come.” 

Carolina said the benefits of dual enrollment at ChattState are twofold — not only has she been able to earn college credit while in high school, but she has also saved money in the process. 

Carolina took advantage of the Dual Enrollment Grant, allowing her to take five free classes before incurring any tuition costs.  

“ChattState really does believe in investing in students, and it has invested in me. I’m very thankful for the opportunities that Chattanooga State has offered me,” she said. 

Beyond academics, Carolina also took advantage of student support services and activities. While learning as a dual-enrolled high school student, she said she made frequent trips to the math lab and was able to join the college’s Honors Program, where she led a workshop. 

A lifelong homeschool student, Carolina said ChattState is the first place where she has learned in a traditional classroom environment. Despite her apprehensions, connections with professors and peers helped her feel at ease from day one. 

“Something I really love about ChattState is that the professors are personally invested in your success,” she said. “Instead of teaching a cookie-cutter class, my professors wanted to make sure that each student was learning what they were personally interested in.”