EDGE: Earn a Degree, Graduate Early Program
TCC's EDGE program allows high school students to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree free of charge, advancing two years ahead in college.
Through EDGE we work with your school district to pair rigorous college coursework and instruction with structured preparation and academic support. Students in this program begin preparing for advanced instruction their freshman year. Upon completion of high school, EDGE Students can earn both a high school diploma and an Associate of Liberal Arts degree from TCC.
Who is EDGE for?
Believe it or not, EDGE is not exclusively a program for the academically gifted. Accepted students are prepared to succeed in their college courses through a 36-week preparatory freshman year.
The cohort of accepted students participates in a 36-week preparatory year consisting of:
- Summer bridge programs after their eighth and ninth-grade years
- Monthly cohort support events
- TCC's Introduction to College course
- Advanced high school coursework
- TCC's Math & English Transition Courses prepare students for success in college-level math and English
Students begin taking college courses as early as tenth grade. Courses are integrated into the high school schedule, with dedicated support from TCC faculty.
Student Application Process
Students at participating schools apply to the program in eighth grade. A selection committee, formed by your high school or district, will review all applications and form each cohort by lottery. At a minimum, eighty percent of all students accepted will be either under-resourced or the first in their family to attend college.
Why Partner with Us
TCC partners with area school districts by providing the infrastructure and framework for college prep, academic support, and college courses. We are dedicated to working with your district to provide wrap-around services for your students.
We provide partner districts with extensive services, resources, as well as staff that are assigned to your school.
The following is a list of some of the services we provide to partner schools:
- Dedicated EDGE coordinator
- Dedicated EDGE college academic advisors
- ENGAGE college-knowledge events
- Math & English College Preparatory courses
- ICAP and career pathway exploration and advising
- Grade monitoring for student success
- Weekly collaboration with high school leaders
- Professional development for high school teachers
- Parent engagement meetings
- College application and enrollment workshops
- Course placement workshops
- Cohorted classes
- Free tutoring, available both online and on campus
- Accessibility Resources for ADA accommodations
- Student Life and campus clubs and organizations
- Free membership to The Y@TCC
I love the support and structure that the early college program students receive both from our school site and from TCC's faculty, which is inherent in the program.
— Michelle Brown, Tulsa Public Memorial High School Principal
Cost to Districts & Students
The cost for EDGE is shared so that the degree can be offered at no cost to your students. TCC partners with each school to provide wrap-around support services and funding at no cost to the student.
A state-funded waiver covers tuition for concurrent enrollment. The state tuition waiver does not cover some course fees or resources like books. These remaining college expenses are cost-shared between TCC, the partner district, and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
Any student who stays on the EDGE pathway can earn their degree for free.
Distinguished Graduate
Josue' is a first-generation college student who started at Union in 8th grade and graduated in the top 10% of his class. He was recognized as a distinguished graduate and will continue his education at the University of Tulsa.
Josue' Del Rio Salas
EDGE Student
Prerequisites, Check!
I like EDGE: Earn a Degree, Graduate Early, formerly known as Early College High School, because it gets the prerequisites out of the way so I can go right to the courses related to my major in college.
Erin Hillhouse
EDGE Student
Jump Start & Money Saved
This program helped me to step out on faith and challenge myself, provided me with a jumpstart in college, and allowed me to alleviate some of the parental financial responsibilities towards continuing my education.
Keirsten Metcalf
EDGE Student
Bring EDGE to Your School
We look forward to meeting with you to create a customized partnership that combines your district’s strengths with TCC’s proven college-readiness experience.
Open Adoption Period starts every year in February. Contact our team to begin a discussion about partnering with TCC to bring this program to your school.
Contact Us
Contact Lissa Steadley at melissa.steadley@tulsacc.edu or dualcredit@tulsacc.edu.
