Laurel Ridge Leads Virginia in High School Students Earning College Credentials

Laurel Ridge Community College has emerged as a state leader in preparing high school students for college success, with 268 students in its service area earning college credentials before their high school graduation in 2024. This achievement represents 7% of the 3,737 seniors in the region, a stark contrast to the statewide average of less than 1%, according to Heather Burton, interim dean of Early College and High School Partnerships at Laurel Ridge.

Among these students, 120 earned an associate degree, and many others achieved significant milestones, such as the 220 who completed a uniform certificate in general studies—equivalent to their first year of college. Additionally, 83 students received career studies certificates, opening doors to specialized career pathways.

A Competitive Edge

Burton highlights the rigor and commitment required to achieve these credentials. “It’s a lot of work,” she said. “Some of these students are doing sports, they’re involved in clubs, they work, they’re taking all these classes. The students who do this are driven. Bravo to everyone at the college and our local school partnerships for helping make this a successful year for those students.”

These achievements set students apart when applying for four-year universities or entering the workforce. Earning college credits through dual-enrollment programs allows families to benefit from significant cost savings while students gain valuable experience in managing college-level coursework.

Building Connections and Support

To ease the transition, Laurel Ridge has introduced orientation sessions for dual-enrollment students and their parents, covering academic expectations and available resources. “We want parents to feel like they can help their child and to let them know we’re a partner with them in this transition,” Burton said.

Burton’s connection to the program—she was once a dual-enrollment student—underscores her passion for its success.

A Pathway to Success

The benefits of dual enrollment extend beyond cost savings. Students who complete their associate degrees through Laurel Ridge often transfer to universities with advanced standing, sometimes as sophomores or juniors academically, but still enjoy the benefits of being first-year students.

Joseph Martin, a Warren County High School graduate, exemplifies the program’s impact. With 36 college credits earned through dual enrollment, Martin is now studying civil engineering at Virginia Tech on a four-year track instead of the usual five. “The classes were challenging, especially my biology class,” he said. “At the time, I thought it was really hard. Now, I see it as a regular college class. It really prepared me for college.”

Recognizing Educators and Career Coaches

Key to the program’s success are the credentialed high school teachers who deliver college-level instruction and the dedicated career coaches stationed in every high school in the region. These coaches assist students with exploring career options and planning their educational paths.

“They are phenomenal,” Burton said of the career coaches. “They help students with career exploration. Many students have no idea what they want to do, but after meeting with the career coach, they have ideas.”

Joseph Martin credits his career coach, Brigitte Grimm, for inspiring him to join Virginia Tech’s Corps of Cadets.

Inspiring Stories

Angel Alvarado, another graduate of the dual-enrollment program, now attends the U.S. Air Force Academy. Reflecting on his time at Laurel Ridge, he praised the small class sizes and the support he received from teachers. “The classes were a lot more challenging than regular high school classes,” Alvarado said. “That’s kind of what I needed, and [it] set me up better for what I would be looking at when attending a four-year college.”

Looking Ahead

Laurel Ridge’s dual-enrollment program continues to make higher education more accessible and affordable while helping students reach their goals faster. To learn more about dual-enrollment opportunities, visit laurelridge.edu/de.