When the bell rings at 11:10, most Dallastown students are heading to fourth period, but for 142 seniors, that bell signals the end of the school day.

Through dual enrollment, work transition, and teacher assistant programs, these students are trading in traditional classroom time for college credit, paychecks, and professional experience.

“I go to school for three periods in the morning and then leave to go home to do dual enrollment work,” senior Marleigh Blasser, who is taking criminal justice and world music, said.

Getting into the dual enrollment program isn’t easy.

The requirements to be in the program are a 3.0 GPA,  request a full schedule, and apply to one of the colleges.

Harrisburg Area Community College, York College, Harrisburg University,  Millersville University, Commonwealth University, Central Penn College, Saint Joseph’s University, and Thaddeus Stevens College. 

“Dual Enrollment is designed for students that are college bound that are looking to get a head start on credits.” Kellin McCullough, Dallastown’s College and Career Coordinator, said.

Even though the process to get into this program is long, it has benefited these students greatly.

”It has been great and has made my parents very proud that I’m going into college with a decent number of credits, saving thousands of dollars,” senior Grayson Kelley, who is taking English Composition, said.

Senior Kenzie Petersheim is even graduating with an associate’s degree before graduating from high school.

While the academic and financial benefits are clear, the social cost of leaving early is a reality for many.

“I don’t get to see my friends as much at school because I leave so early in the day,” senior Chelsea Cottrell, who is taking English 101 and Psychology 101, said.

Dallastown seniors still believe this is a great opportunity for students.

 “I highly recommend doing dual enrollment if you’re planning on going to college because it will save you a lot of money taking classes that you can get out of the way early,” Blasser said.

Not all students leave early for college classes; some leave for work. Another option seniors have is work transition. 

“Work transition is designed for students who are seeking full-time employment after high school to enhance their workplace readiness skills,” McCullough said.

To qualify, students must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, remain employed throughout the school year, and work at least 10 hours per week.

“Work transition has made me less stressed with the amount of work I have to do at night. Less work for me is less stress,” senior Madden Nardelli said.

Work transition can be great, but Students don’t earn any credit for this program.

Even after not gaining any credits from this program, seniors believe this is a great program to be a part of.

“It’s a great idea if you wanna work more hours, especially if you are 18,” senior Payton Kifer said.

For those interested in a future in education, another option is to be a teaching assistant. 

Students who participated in this program are allowed to go to any of the eight buildings in the district, as long as they get the teacher’s approval 

“It helped me work with younger kids and become a better role model,” senior Nathan Helsel said.

This program helps students step into the shoes of what it would be like to be a teacher 

Either way, all of these programs are a great opportunity for Dallastown juniors and seniors to explore differences and areas of interest, along with learning valuable life skills.

“Select a program that fits your future college and career needs. Talk to your counselor. All paperwork was due May 1,” McCullough said.