Double the Credit

For Nokomis High School senior Becca Hill, good things come in twos. Becca and her twin sister Elizabeth will earn college credit and high school diplomas at the same time.

A typical day in their life begins like most high school seniors, with a morning of high school classes, advanced placement (AP) classes and Dual Credit college classes. Next, the sisters gear up for an afternoon of college courses at Lincoln Land Community College in Taylorville and then back to high school to hit the courts for basketball practice. When asked how they balance high school and college life, Becca says, “We’re busy, as most high school seniors are, but focusing on college courses gives us a head start on our future. We know that we can reach our goals sooner by working hard now.”

Becca and Elizabeth are participants in two high school concurrent enrollment programs at LLCC known as College Now and Dual Credit. This May, the Hill sisters will have twice as many reasons to celebrate, as they’ll earn their associate degrees from LLCC and graduate high school all in the same month.

College Now courses are college-level courses taken by high school students. They are taught by LLCC instructors at one of LLCC’s locations and provide college credit toward a degree. Students earn high school credit at the same time as college credit for these courses. Students pay regular, in-district tuition and fees, and buy textbooks for these courses. 

Dual Credit courses are college-level classes taught in a high school by high school teachers and also provide college credit toward a degree. 

LLCC partners with in-district high schools to provide both Dual Credit and College Now opportunities for high school juniors and seniors.

“College Now is a great opportunity for high school students to take college classes with LLCC professors while still in high school,” says Dr. Joel Dykstra, associate vice president of academic services at LLCC. “Students can take classes during the school day either at one of LLCC’s locations or online. They can gain both college and high school credit at the same time for these classes. This program is an excellent way to start to make the transition to college and to get a head start on courses for a degree or certificate. It also provides an opportunity to be on a college campus and learn what it is like to be in college.”

Supportive and friendly staff, knowledgeable instructors, resources and opportunities are all ways sisters Becca and Elizabeth describe their college experience and why they have been so successful in achieving college credits from LLCC. 

The sisters were able to take biology, speech and philosophy together. “It’s a lot of fun taking a class with your sister. We often remind each other when assignments are due and can help each other out if needed on assignments,” adds Becca. 

Access to college credit motivates high school students to excel, helping them advance in their academic journey, all while saving money and staying close to home. 

“I believe completing college courses in high school is the best choice you can make for your future,” says Elizabeth. Becca adds, “I have learned so much and feel that this will make my college journey much easier. I feel so prepared to continue my education because of LLCC.”

With big goals of becoming a forensic psychologist and certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), the two sisters are prepared to finish high school, take their newly earned associate degrees and begin the next steps toward transfer and earning their bachelor’s degrees. 

Becca previously earned her CNA license in 2024 through LLCC and has been working in the field. In addition to taking general courses, she will have completed all required nursing perquisites with LLCC. 

The sisters’ head start on college coursework has offered educational and financial advantages plus more. “I feel more confident going into a four-year college. From first starting at LLCC to now almost ready to go to a four-year, I am so much more comfortable and confident in my skills and ability to learn at the college level,” says Elizabeth.