Bartle, Helm Selected For Enrollment In ECC’s Early College Academy

Bourbon High School sophomores Raylee Bartle and Alyvia Helm have been selected as the first two students from the district that will attend the Early College Academy at East Central College.

Bartle and Helm will enroll at ECC for their junior and senior years and upon completion, will have an associate’s degree and high school diploma.

Bourbon and Cuba students are eligible for the first time in the 2023-24 school year.

While in the ECA, Bartle and Helm will be taking all college courses taught by ECC instructors. 

The ECA began in 2020 with students from Union High School. 

In 2021, students from St. Clair, Sullivan and Washington became eligible.

Students who apply for ECA must have a 2.5 GPA or higher, along with ACT and ECC Accuplacer college-ready scores.

They also must have an exemplary record of discipline and attendance, a personal statement and sign an agreement that says they will abide by expectations and responsibilities. Students who fail or don’t complete the two-year program must repay all tuition and fees.

ECC provides all the same resources offered to other college students.

The school district covers the tuition, fees and books each semester, but students must return the books.

Personal items must be purchased by the student and/or parents.

Students also are responsible or their own transportation. They must follow ECC’s academic calendar and be in attendance for all classes.

The students must maintain a “C” or better in all classes.

Students that participate in sports must attend at least one class at the high school campus.