Dual credit opportunity jumpstarts ACTC student’s college career

Published on Jun 3, 2025

Caleb Brown began his career as an ACTC student through the dual credit program. 

A 2025 graduate of East Carter High School, Brown took pipe-welding classes at ACTC as part of his senior year. 

“I chose to take dual credit classes through ACTC because it was overall a great option for me,” he said. “It gave me the opportunity to get a head start on my future career while also continuing to complete high school and work a job.”

Brown plans to earn a welding degree from ACTC and then join the pipefitter’s union. 

“I chose to continue my education at ACTC after high school because of the environment,” he said. “ACTC has many people who will support and help you in any way you need.”

He added, “In the future, my goal is to join Local 248 and I know that ACTC has people willing to help me achieve that.”

He said his dual credit classes prepared him for the coursework he will need to take for his associate’s degree and said the ACTC instructors he had during his senior year have played an important role in the welder and person he is today.

“To anyone considering taking dual credit classes through ACTC I would tell them to do it. It’s a great opportunity and a place filled with wonderful people,” Brown said.

The dual credit program at ACTC gives students both high school and college credit for general education classes taken while still a junior or senior in high school. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors are also eligible to take career and technical courses.  

Examples of general education courses include English, history, math, and science courses.  Examples of career and technical courses include welding, electrical, business, and certified nurse aide courses.

For more information about dual credit opportunities, visit https://ashland.kctcs.edu/dual-credit/index.aspx

Written by: Megan Smedley, ACTC strategic communications administrator