A new San Jacinto College (SJC) Center in La Porte, Texas is set to open in January 2011 to meet the needs of dual credit students from La Porte High School (LPHS).

  What was once a bank, and later the school district's administration building, the facility will house six classrooms and an office area. The College and La Porte Independent School District (LPISD) will work together to customize the dual credit program. The College currently provides the faculty for instruction as well as a counselor to help students write their post-secondary plan.

 "Providing La Porte dual credit students with their own facility is a step in the right direction, as we continue to focus more on introducing college to students earlier than ever before," said SJC Central campus President Dr. H. Neil Matkin. "We look forward to this partnership in hopes that we'll increase the number of college graduates."

    About 200 students have enrolled through SJC at La Porte High School this Fall. Compass or TAKS test scores are evaluated to determine if a student is eligible for dual credit status. Once accepted, a student's tuition and books are paid for by La Porte ISD.

 "When we're talking about college and career readiness, this is the epitome of opportunity," said Linda Wadleigh, LPISD deputy superintendent for curriculum and instruction. "This is a chance for the students to take classes in a real college environment, which eases the transition and provides students with a true college experience while they are still in high school-and right here in their hometown."

    Scheduling for LPHS dual credit students will remain similar to what is already in place, and they'll have opportunities to fully participate in extracurricular activities. 

    "The presence of San Jacinto College in La Porte ISD brings the world home," said LPISD Superintendent Lloyd W. Graham. "It provides an affordable and accessible vantage point from which our La Porte students may see across the horizon. We are very appreciative of the San Jacinto College Board and leadership team for their vision in providing these opportunities to our students."

San Jacinto College serves a diverse population of more than 27,000 students in over 140 degrees and certificates in university transfer and technical programs. The College also serves the community through workforce training. Students come with various goals and aspirations and we are committed to their success. For more information about San Jacinto College, please visit www.sanjac.edu <http://www.sanjac.edu> , or call 281-998-6150.