About the BNY Early College Program
CCAC’s BNY Early College program provides a structured approach to dual enrollment, which enables teenagers to take college-level classes while they’re in high school.
This program enables high schoolers in Allegheny County to study one of three professional tracks: Accounting, Business or Computer Information Technology. Students may take just a few classes—or complete an entire college certificate. These certificates provide an excellent foundation for students to either continue their education or join the workforce directly.
The BNY Early College program is completely free to eligible students in Allegheny County! All tuition, fees and books are funded by a generous grant from the BNY Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Who Is Eligible?
The BNY Early College program is for residents of Allegheny County in 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade (or the home-school equivalent).
- 9th and 10th graders take noncredit courses and meet four or five times a semester.
- 11th and 12th graders take credit courses and follow a traditional college calendar.
Before beginning the program, students will receive information about the program’s goals, potential career paths and what college is like.
Parents will also be informed about students’ commitments and the benchmarks they must achieve to complete the program.
Throughout their enrollment, students will have access to CCAC support services to ensure their successful completion.
Is It Really Free?
The BNY Early College program is completely free to eligible students in Allegheny County! All tuition, fees and books are funded by a generous grant from the BNY Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
In 2020, BNY announced a $20 million multi-year commitment in support of vital educational and workforce development programming. CCAC was one of two institutions selected to receive this targeted funding, which allowed the college to establish the BNY Early College program.
The program is available to all schools and school districts in Allegheny County to help expand access to college and career readiness for those who may or may not have the resources to do so on their own.
Learn more about each certificate’s subject and course requirements by visiting their pages in the CCAC catalog:
- Accounting
- Business
- Computer Information Technology
Non-Credit Courses For 9th and 10th Graders
Early College Foundations I
3 Class Options (non-credit)
9th Graders Only
To Apply
- Complete and submit the BNY Early College interest form.
- Complete and submit to EarlyCollegeProgram@ccac.edu a W-9 form to receive stipend for successful completion of course.
Contact Information
Pathways Foundations I
3 Class Options (non-credit)
10th Graders Only
To Apply
- Complete and submit the BNY Early College interest form.
- Complete and submit to EarlyCollegeProgram@ccac.edu a W-9 form to receive stipend for successful completion of course.
Contact Information
Credit Courses for 11th and 12th Graders
The Certificate Pathways
The courses in this pathway promote technical skills for in-demand professional fields.
In addition to completing a certificate within the program, students can use their credits to pursue a degree at CCAC or transfer credits to a four-year institution to continue their education elsewhere.
Students choose which certificate to pursue at the start of 11th grade. Each certificate requires a different number of courses. Students are expected to complete at least one course each fall, spring and summer semester.
To Apply*
- Complete and submit the BNY Early College interest form.
- Complete and submit to EarlyCollegeProgram@ccac.edu a W-9 form to receive stipend for successful completion of course.
- Complete and submit the CCAC Dual Enrollment Application.
- Complete CCAC Parent/Guardian Authorization Form and submit to EarlyCollege Program@ccac.edu.
- Ask your high school official to send your transcript to EarlyCollegeProgram@ccac.edu.
- Participate in a New Student On Boarding Session.
- Complete any required placement tests.
*NOTE: Continuing BNY Early College students are not required to resubmit forms indicated above.
Please note if you are not yet in 11th grade or are under 16 years old, you must provide a letter of recommendation from a teacher or a school counselor. Please submit your letter of recommendation to earlycollegeprogram@ccac.edu.
If you have any questions or need help, please contact us for assistance.
"Early College at Community College of Allegheny County is an amazing opportunity for all students. The courses and professors are excellent and provide a wonderful learning experience. I feel fortunate to attend CCAC to earn credits, while I am in high school."