Starting this fall, Telecom students will once again receive college credit for their courses, thanks to a new partnership for dual enrollment with Old Dominion University.

ODU, located in Norfolk, is a distinguished institution of higher learning that offers high-quality educational and research programs. Nearly 24,000 students are enrolled, with about 7,000 being online (ODUGlobal) students.

Through the efforts of the Newport News Public Schools administration, Telecom Supervisor Ray Price, and Telecom Crew Member Brandon K. Hedgepeth, who is a Telecom graduate and former Telecom-ODU Intern, the Telecom program will potentially be more attractive to NNPS students.

"This will prompt students to sign up," Price said, noting that it gives them a head start on their college careers, saving time and money.

Additionally, Telecom will provide internships for ODU students, which will be mutually beneficial.

"This will be a great opportunity for current and future Telecom students," said Hedgepeth.

"Having been both a Telecom student and ODU student," he continued, "I know that this dual enrollment program is just the beginning of this partnership. This will truly provide students a new opportunity to enhance their education."

Telecom's previous agreement with Norfolk State University expired a couple of years ago.

Students who complete the two-year Telecom program can earn six college credits through ODU. They will receive three credits for TV-I Intro to TV Production their first year and three credits for TV-II Directing their senior year. The credits will be elective credit.

"This will bring Telecom to another level," said Price.