Students have the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school through programs such as Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Enrollment, or Early College courses. These programs allow students to take college-level courses, either on the high school campus or at a local community college, and earn credits that may be transferred to colleges and universities after graduation. Earning college credits in high school provides students with a head start on their higher education, helping to reduce the time and cost of completing a degree. It also offers the chance to challenge themselves academically and explore areas of interest in greater depth. By participating in these opportunities, students can demonstrate their readiness for college and gain a competitive edge in their future academic and career pursuits.