For ambitious high school students seeking to jumpstart their college journey, Olivet Nazarene University’s Early Scholars Program provides an exceptional pathway to earn university credits while completing their secondary education. This dual enrollment opportunity has become increasingly popular among students looking to challenge themselves academically and gain valuable college experience.
The Early Scholars Program welcomes qualified juniors and seniors from public, private and homeschool backgrounds seeking an affordable, high-quality program to enroll in university courses alongside current Olivet undergraduates. With over 80 courses available across diverse disciplines—from Cybersecurity and Calculus to Psychology, Spanish, Music and Art—students can explore their interests while earning credits that count toward both high school graduation and their future college degree.
“The Early Scholars program has given me the opportunity to advance myself through more difficult classes across many subjects,” shares Tara Depoister, a current participant. “I developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills in my classes, which are valuable to both my career and life in general.”
Benefits of Dual Enrollment
Here are some of the top benefits of dual enrollment:
- Earn college credit while completing high school
- Explore real college courses in over 80 subjects
- Save money on tuition with affordable online options
- Build confidence before full-time college
- Stand out on college and scholarship applications
Understanding that today’s students have varied schedules and learning preferences, Olivet offers Early Scholars courses both on-campus and online. This flexibility allows students to balance their high school commitments while experiencing authentic college-level coursework. Whether studying Programming, Environmental Science, American Government, or Creative Writing, participants engage with the same rigorous curriculum as traditional undergraduates.
Building Community and Confidence
Beyond academic advancement, the program fosters meaningful connections within Olivet’s supportive community. Early Scholars interact with university professors and current students, creating relationships that often extend beyond the classroom.
“Through the Early Scholars program, I have made unbreakable friendships and met remarkable people,” notes Owen Marcukaitis, another program participant. “It has provided a fantastic transitional space between high school and college, providing a supportive space to grow one’s autonomy.”
Record-Breaking Growth and Success
The program’s value is reflected in its remarkable expansion. Spring 2025 saw an unprecedented enrollment of 106 high school students, marking another milestone in the program’s history. This growth demonstrates the increasing recognition among families of the program’s benefits.
“We’re thrilled to welcome our largest-ever spring cohort of Early Scholars,” says Tiffany Holohan, Program Director. “The program continues to attract ambitious students who are eager to challenge themselves with university-level coursework while still in high school.”
Affordable College Preparation
The competitive pricing structure makes the Early Scholars Program an accessible option for families seeking quality education. “We’re seeing more families recognize the value of getting a head start on college credits while maintaining affordable education costs,” notes Luke Franklin, Executive Director of Traditional Enrollment.
Dr. Mark Reddy, Vice President of Enrollment Management, emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the experience: “These Early Scholars are getting more than just college credits – they’re experiencing the distinctive academic and spiritual community that makes Olivet special.”
Graham Johnson, one of the program’s earliest participants and now college graduate, reinforces this sentiment: “The Early Scholars Program is an absolute win for high school juniors and seniors.”
Ready to earn affordable, transferable college credits while still in high school? Whether you’re a public, private, or homeschool student, the Early Scholars Program is designed to give you a head start. Orientation for Early Scholars is scheduled for July 16, 2025.
For more information about eligibility requirements and enrollment, prospective students can contact Program Director Tiffany Holohan at tmholohan@olivet.edu or Coordinator Kati Cann at kjcann@olivet.edu, or call 815-928-5410.
