Dual Enrollment

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Your Future Starts Now

Taking college courses as a high school student gets you closer to the future you’re already making for yourself. Train for a trade. Try something new. Get through general education requirements. You can do all three in Western New York Works’ dual enrollment courses.

All participating State University of New York (SUNY) schools open their doors to interested area high schoolers. Discover why a growing number of students are choosing this pathway.

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What Is Dual Enrollment?

Students explore robotics and automation technologies hands on in a class open to high school students at Alfred State College

Dual enrollment partnerships allow high school students to take college classes starting in their junior or senior year. Instruction is provided through an approved course at the high school, on the college campus or online, and is designed to fulfill both high school and college requirements.

While some states differentiate dual enrollment and dual credit programs, New York State treats them as one and the same. Opportunities are available through school districts, charter schools and BOCES institutions that have established agreements with two- and four-year colleges. Both traditional high schoolers and homeschooled students are welcome to enroll.

As college costs rise and employers seek skilled, take-charge hires, lower tuition rates and transferable credits make dual enrollment an attractive pathway. Among its growing list of advantages, participants often enter the workforce sooner while spending less on education overall.

Is Dual Enrollment Worth It?

Students participated in dual enrollment programs in 2023–24

Of dual enrollment courses are taken at community colleges

More likely to receive college scholarships

WNY Works Programs and Participating High Schools

Western New York Works schools extend multiple credit- and experience-building opportunities to local high school students. Explore our programs, available courses and how to participate.

Alfred State College Genesee Community College Jamestown Community College

How Does Dual Enrollment Benefit You?

As more schools strike up dual enrollment partnerships, more students are embracing the opportunity to learn a new skill or dive deeper into an academic subject.

A student stands and holds out their arms in a crowd during an open house event at Alfred State College

A Preview of College

Get a sense of the pace and rigor of college academics, challenging yourself while preparing for your next chapter. 

A student in a hard hat measures a metal beam with a triangle, kneeling near a wooden building frame in a construction class at Alfred State College

Dual Credits

Dual enrollment classes count toward your high school diploma and transfer to many two- and four-year colleges.

A student in a cleanroom suit, gloves, a hair covering, and safety glasses learns to operate testing equipment in a class at Alfred State College

Reduced Tuition

Through dual enrollment agreements, students attend college classes at a discounted tuition rate, helping them save on higher education costs.

Two students learn to trim a dog's nails in a vet tech class at Alfred State College

Greater Success

Research has shown that dual enrollment students are more likely to attend college, receive scholarships and grants and finish on time.

Students learn to operate farming equipment in a training area in a metal barn at Alfred State College

Multiple Pathways

Participating students find a variety of pathways before them. They might explore a new subject area, get an early start on their college major or learn a trade.

A student and instructor examine the undercarriage of a lifted car in an auto repair class at Alfred State College

Begin Your Future Sooner

You might finish college in 3.5 years or complete career training in a year or less. However you picture your future, dual enrollment accelerates your path there.

What Should You Expect?

Here’s how you can sign up for dual enrollment courses, along with some scheduling and time considerations.

Completing an Application

Work with your high school guidance counselor to explore courses and submit a dual enrollment application. You’ll also need recommendations, strong grades and parental approval to participate.

Placement Exams

Some colleges may require you to pass a placement exam before you officially enroll in a requested course.

Workload and Time Commitments

Commuting to a local college and completing longer, more demanding assignments can cut into your extracurriculars. Rather than starting with a full semester, begin with a single dual enrollment course to get a sense of the time and effort involved.

Jump-Start Your Journey

Whenever you’re ready, there’s a Western New York Works school ready to welcome you.

Apply to a Participating College  Contact Us