ACTC, Greenup Schools establish new early-college opportunity

Published on Jan 7, 2025

Ashland Community & Technical College (ACTC) and Greenup County Schools are thrilled to announce a new partnership that will allow Greenup County High School students to simultaneously earn their high school diploma and associate degree from ACTC. 

Students will have the opportunity to take classes in a variety of modes: in-person at GCHS, in-person at ACTC, entirely online, or a hybrid of in-person and online. 

“Dual credit is a chance for high school students to challenge themselves and see what it is like to take a college course,” said Vicki McGinnis, ACTC Dual Credit Coordinator. “We look forward to enhancing our partnership with Greenup County and providing this opportunity for students willing to take on the challenge of full-time college work in high school.”

This partnership, called the Jesse Stuart Institute, will require students to successfully complete 20 carefully selected college courses. The majority of students who complete the institute will earn their Associate of Science or Associate of Arts degree. 

Based on previous experiences with dual credit opportunities, Greenup County officials expect there to be minimal to no cost to students and say there are certainly none that they would let hinder a child’s opportunities.  

“In education, sometimes progress can move at a frustratingly moderate pace,” said Greenup County High School principal, Anthony Thompson. “It isn't very often that schools get an opportunity to position their students for giant academic leaps. That is exactly what is happening for GCHS with the Jesse Stuart Institute.  Students in our region can now have access to a Craft or Gatton Academy style experience without leaving home.  It is as close to a grand slam as you can get without heading to the Great American Ballpark.” 

Up to 20 students can participate in the initial cohort. 

“ACTC is excited to partner with Greenup County for the Jesse Stuart Institute,” said Dr. Larry Ferguson, ACTC President/CEO. “It will provide a great opportunity for Greenup students to accelerate their education goals and be ready to enter the workforce or transfer to one of our university partners after graduation.”

Classes will be offered during school hours and will be taught by KCTCS-credentialed instructors.

Kameron Greenslate, guidance counselor at Greenup County High School, says the Jesse Stuart Institute will allow students to complete an accelerated degree without having to sacrifice the high school experience. 

“Greenup County Schools have turned a huge page, with many exciting things happening in recent years,” said Greenslate. “When it comes to academics, what better shining beacon for Greenup County students than Jesse Stuart, who was an educator in our district. Naming this institute after him is a nod to his championing for education. He laid a solid foundation for education, and we wouldn’t be here and be able to innovate in the ways we are for our students without his legacy.” 

Dual credit opportunities outside of the Jesse Stuart Institute will continue to be available to GCHS students. 

For more information, contact McGinnis at vicki.mcginnis@kctcs.edu or Greenslate at kameron.greenslate@greenup.kyschools.us.