The Early Scholar Program, Olivet Nazarene University’s signature dual enrollment option for high school students to earn college credit, is an accessible option for talented young students to get a jump on their university academic course load. Hundreds of high school students have taken advantage of this unique opportunity to satisfy the graduation requirements of their local high school as they also embrace elements of college life.
GETTING AHEAD
Olivet offers more than 80 courses to Early Scholars, including a range of general education classes and major-specific curriculum, offered through online and in-person class formats. One of the primary reasons that high school students are interested in a dual enrollment program is that taking college courses allows them to cross off some general education requirements before they actually enroll as full-time university students. For some, that means earning a semester or more worth of credits at a lower cost than traditional college rates, and potentially finishing college faster than their peers.
Paige Tavoletti ’26, a recent Olivet graduate from Grand Park, Illinois, finished her degree in just three years. As an accounting major, which alone requires 150 credit hours compared with the standard 120 for most majors, her hard work in the Early Scholars program enabled the fast finish. An incredible feat especially because Paige also double-majored in economics/finance.
While still in high school, she took a few online classes at Olivet at the recommendation of her guidance counselor. Her experience was positive, so she enrolled in more classes, including multiple on campus. By the time Paige graduated from high school, she had earned 60 college credits, built relationships with professors and made friends with people on campus. Choosing to finish her degree at Olivet was an easy choice.
“It was the perfect fit,” she reflected. “I had already had classes in the business department, the campus was close to home, I liked how everyone was so welcoming, and the University has a Christian emphasis.”
While the Early Scholars program provides a great head start in college, not everyone who does the program wants to graduate early. Olivia Cann ’26, another recent Olivet graduate from Peotone, Illinois, chose to enjoy four full years of college. Her high school did not officially offer the dual-enrollment program, but as a natural go-getter, Olivia was interested in working on some general education courses and then a few major-specific classes as she figured out what she wanted to study.
“I thought I wanted to be in sport management or communications and took some classes in those realms,” she reflected. “But I ultimately changed to studying social work with a minor in criminal justice.”
Olivia actually started college at another university before transferring back to Olivet. She credits the campus community and welcoming environment as big reasons for returning.
“My experience at Olivet has been life-changing,” she said. “If it wasn’t for Early Scholars, I’m not sure I would have gone to Olivet. I didn’t want to go to school locally, but I got a positive college experience at a young age, which ultimately drew me back.”
CONNECTED COMMUNITY
To help facilitate a smooth transition, both academically and socially, every high school student who is enrolled in the Early Scholars program is assigned a peer mentor. These college students, all of whom were Early Scholars themselves, provide grounded wisdom for navigating college, as well as relational support.
“The Peer Mentorship Program is unique in comparison to similar initiatives because it provides additional layers of support while fostering meaningful peer-to-peer connections and relationship-building opportunities,” said Tiffany Holohan, director of the Early Scholars Program. “This model helps students feel connected, encouraged, and supported throughout their academic experience.”
During their time as busy college students, Paige and Olivia also served as peer mentors for the Early Scholars program. Each mentor is assigned 30-50 high school students to connect with throughout each semester. This position provides connections between college students and their high school mentees for casual questions about campus buildings, advice on particular classes or in-person social events such as the annual Christmas party. The goal of the mentorship program is to help Early Scholars gain confidence and comfortability as they start to transition out of high school and into collegiate rhythms.
“We were there to help with any questions,” Paige reflected of the role. “I was kind of a big sister, since I had been in their shoes. I had also had a peer mentor who was helpful in my own experience. We just try to help [the Early Scholars] out in any way.”
Olivia echoed the pay-it-forward mentality.
“I know from being an Early Scholar, that it was nice to have someone at the college level to relate to,” she said. “I’ve gotten to connect with other students to talk about classes, exchange books, and just be a support. It makes a difference to have a mentor — even if the students don’t end up at Olivet, I love helping them see that college is possible.”
LIFE AT OLIVET
Paige and Olivia both chose to commute for the duration of their time at Olivet, but their investment in campus life and their own opportunities to grow were still abundant. In part, both women credit their time as Early Scholars with helping them form invaluable relationships with professors, staff and other students. This relational foundation was essential for creating vibrant college experiences for each of them.
In addition to maintaining high academic excellence at Olivet, Paige was heavily involved with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program as well as the accounting club. She was also the president of the Women’s Discipleship Club in the business department. All accounting majors are required to do an internship during college, and Paige did two — one at local firm, SKDO, and another at Plante Moran, one of the largest certified public accounting firms in the United States.
“I got the SKDO internship even before taking accounting classes,” Paige said. “Doing the Early Scholars program definitely gave me an advantage. In addition to networking opportunities, I felt like my professors really prepared me. Building connections with the people you work with [or learn from] is important, and it really helped me get far. If someone offers you the chance to do something, take every opportunity.”
Olivia’s time at Olivet was filled with volunteering for multiple local organizations including Youth for Christ, Kankakee Junior High School, Riverside Hospital and the Pregnancy Resource Center. While a certain amount of volunteerism is required for social work majors, she exceeded the required hours by far.
“I truly felt called to be hands and feet of Jesus,” Olivia said. “I stayed for well over the required 400 hours because I felt such a connection, sharing the word of Christ. I really looked forward to going every single week.”
She was also involved in Diakonia, served as a teaching assistant in the social work department for three years and completed an internship with the State’s Attorney’s office.
“Through my education, I felt prepared for the work from day one,” Olivia reflected. “But then I gained so much experience. I can’t say enough good things about State’s Attorney’s office — it didn’t feel like a job.
FORWARD FOCUS
This spring, Paige and Olivia graduated as members of Phi Delta Lambda and received summa cum laude distinctions. It should come as no surprise that having chased excellence as high schoolers, committed to pursuing meaningful careers in college, and graciously passed on their knowledge and wisdom to future generations, both women have exciting post-graduate plans.
After completing her internship last summer with Plante Moran, Paige was offered a full-time position in the Chicago office as part of the assurance/audit staff, which she will start in August. Olivia’s internship with the State’s Attorney turned into a full-time job offer in April, and in May, she also started an online master’s degree program in forensic social work.
Though their chapters at Olivet are closing after many years, both Paige and Olivia are excited for others to begin, particularly in the Early Scholars program.
“It’s the best thing you can do for yourself,” Paige summed up. “You’re able to get so far ahead and get acclimated to a college atmosphere; plus, the program saves you a lot of money. Take advantage of it while you can.”
“Know you are capable,” Olivia added in encouragement. “It’s a little scary, but there’s a team of people here to support you. You’re able to do hard things, and you’re going to be just fine.”
For more information about Olivet Nazarene University’s Early Scholar Program, visit Olivet.edu/EarlyScholars, or contact the Early Scholar office at 815-928-5410.
