About JJC's 12x12x12 Program
If you are interested in earning college credit while taking some of your high school classes, then dual credit is for you! Take the JJC 12x12x12 Challenge:
- Earn 12 hours of dual credit
- by the time you finish the 12th grade
- and pay only $12 per credit hour!
Dual credit is a program where you can earn both high school and college credit for the same course. Dual credit courses are taken at your high school. It's a great way to save money and to get a jump start on taking college-level courses.
JJC’s12x12x12 (pronounced 12 by 12 by 12) dual credit initiative begins in fall 2023. The goal is for all district high school students to earn at least 12 credit hours of dual credit, by the time they complete the 12th grade, and pay only $12 per credit hour. Under this initiative, a 3-credit-hour dual credit course will cost only $36. If you were to take the same course at JJC after you graduate from high school, it would cost at least $453. That’s a savings of over $400 per college class!
Learn More about 12x12x12 at Discover JJC!
Attend the 12x12x12 special reception at Discover JJC on Saturday, April 1 to learn more about the program and get your questions answered. 9 a.m. – noon, Main Campus.
FAQ
- What is the difference between Dual Credit, Dual Enrollment, Early Entry, and Advanced Placement courses?
Dual Credit is a program that offers the opportunity to earn both high school AND college credit for the same course that you take at your high school. Beginning fall 2023, students will pay $12 per credit hour for dual credit courses. The average dual credit course is 3 credit hours for which students will pay $36.
Dual Enrollment is a program that offers dual credit courses that are taught at JJC by JJC faculty members. Some high schools pay for their students to participate in Dual Enrollment programs. Other high schools require that students pay to participate in Dual Enrollment programs. The Dual Enrollment programs at JJC include Architecture, Construction and Engineering Program (ACE), Advanced Integrated Maintenance Program (AIM), CISCO, and Public Safety (Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services, and Law Enforcement).
Early Entry: Early Entry enrollment allows students under age 17 or younger to be considered for admission into Joliet Junior College while also enrolled in high school. Early Entry students do not receive dual credit (high school credit) for the courses they take. Early Entry students take college courses at JJC and taught by JJC faculty members. These students pay the regular tuition and fees for the course just like regular JJC students.
Advanced Placement: Advanced Placement (AP) courses are courses that high school students take to earn college credit by taking AP exams at the end of the course. One of the major differences between dual credit and AP courses is that when students take dual credit courses, they do not have to take an exam at the end of the course to determine whether they will earn college credit. Dual credit students earn college credit for courses when they pass the dual credit course at their high school that also counts for high school credit.
- Who should take dual credit courses? Is it only for Honors students or students with a high GPA?
All students are encouraged to take dual credit courses. Some dual credit courses require that students meet the placement requirements in order to take the course. Math and English courses are good examples. There are many ways to meet the placement requirements for a course including taking a placement test. You can learn more about placement testing by clicking this link. Some dual credit courses require that students take a prerequisite course (or a course that provides students with knowledge and skills before they take a college-level course) and some do not have prerequisites.
There are plenty of dual credit courses such as Psychology 101 (General Psychology), Political Science 101 (American National Government), and Music 102 (Exploration of American Music) that do not require that students meet placement requirements or take prerequisite courses. - If a student is not yet a junior or senior in high school, but would like to take dual credit courses in the future, how can they prepare to be successful in dual credit classes?
To prepare for dual credit, develop good study habits in your current high school classes. Speak to the teachers at your high school who teach Dual Credit courses and ask for their advice regarding what skills you need to develop in order to be successful in their Dual Credit classroom. - What are the benefits of taking dual credit courses?
The benefits of taking dual credit courses include being able to take college-level courses in the comfort of your high school and at the same time that you take some of your high school classes, saving over 80% of the cost of taking college courses, and improving your chances of succeeding when you get to college. Studies show that dual credit students are more likely to stay in college until they graduate than students who do not take dual credit courses. - What are dual credit courses like? How are they different from a regular high school class?
The content students learn in dual credit courses is the same content that JJC college students learn when they take the course on our campus. Since they are college courses, dual credit courses are academically challenging in a way that may be similar to Honors or AP courses. - Is there academic support available for students taking dual credit courses?
Yes! All of the support resources available to JJC students such as tutoring and library services are also available to dual credit students. Please visit the TLC webpage for more information. - What will happen if I take a dual credit course and don’t do well in it?
If you are not receiving a “C” or higher in a dual credit course, we suggest you speak with your high school teacher. If your teacher feels you will not pass the course, they can contact the Dual Credit Office at JJC to request that you be withdrawn from the Dual Credit portion of the class. This way, there will not be a grade lower than a “C” on your permanent JJC record or transcript. If you are withdrawn from the dual credit portion of a course, you may continue to take the course for high school credit. - Is there financial assistance available for students interested in taking the 12x Challenge?
There is a $500 scholarship available for 12x completers who meet eligibility requirements and enroll in at least 6 credit hours at JJC after they graduate from high school. - Do I have to pay for books when I take dual credit classes?
Yes. Dual credit students must pay for books like other college students. However, there may be financial assistance available through your high school. Please speak to your dual credit teacher or counselor regarding how your campus handles Dual Credit text books. - Do I have to attend JJC after I graduate from high school in order to get credit for my dual credit course?
No. Although we would love for you to become a JJC student after graduating from high school, the dual credit you earn is accepted at some other colleges and universities. If you attend another college or university, please remember to request a transcript from JJC to be sent to the higher education institution of your choice. - Who should I contact if I’m interested in taking a dual credit course?
If you are interested in taking a dual credit course, please talk to your high school counselor. If you have questions about dual credit courses or about the 12x12x12 initiative, please contact the JJC Dual Credit Office.
How to Get Started
Fill out our form to receive more information. A staff member will reach out to you shortly in case you have any questions.