Pennsylvania College of Technology has entered into its first cyber charter dual enrollment partnership, which will begin with the 2025-26 school year.

Insight PA Cyber Charter School, a K-12 public online school that offers virtual education to students throughout Pennsylvania, was selected as part of a state Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program, which has allowed Penn College to expand course offerings to new partners, increase offerings for current secondary partners, and enhance instructor professional development and career-awareness engagement events and activities for students.

Fifty-eight technical and general education courses are offered through the Penn College Dual Enrollment program, which allows qualified high school students to take college-level classes at their own schools, earning tuition-free credits during high school that can potentially be transferred to any college or university.

“The idea behind dual enrollment is to save money, save time and add confidence that students can complete college-level work,” said Chuck D. Crews, assistant director for secondary partnerships.

Eighteen of the 58 dual enrollment courses have been adapted to be taught virtually, he said, adding that the partnership is a recognition of a shift in education and an effort to provide CTE opportunities to all K-12 students. Insight PA Cyber Charter School will offer Medical Terminology and Introduction to Business, with the hopes of expanding to other courses each year.

“Forming this partnership with Penn College to offer dual enrollment will help our school to bridge the opportunity gap that some of our students encounter,” said Audra E. Mazzante, director of career education for Insight PA Cyber Charter School. “Being able to offer college credit while still in high school will allow them to be exposed to higher education environments, while removing the financial strain on our families.”