Education leaders from Leander ISD, Austin Community College and Texas State University addressed Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce members at the June 12 luncheon, noting partnership among them as a driver for student success.

The three institutions collaborate by offering dual credit courses for high school students and transferable courses between ACC and Texas State–Round Rock. Leander ISD Superintendent Bret Champion said high school students can take dual credit courses through ACC at a cost of $62 per credit hour.

"This year we had 658 students complete more than 2,700 credit hours," Champion said. "It totals about $161,000 our parents saved overall through dual credit at ACC."

ACC president and CEO Robert Rhodes said some students are able to earn 20 or 30 credits before graduating from high school. He also said the majority of ACC students transfer to either the San Marcos or Round Rock Texas State University campuses.

Texas State University–Round Rock offers junior- and senior-level undergraduate courses as well as masters degree and certificate programs, making for a natural transition from community college to university, said Director Edna Rehbein.

"When students at ACC get to 45 hours of course credit, they start meeting with our advisers," she said. "We have a lot of folks in this area who do not want to drive south and across the river, and our campus is a good option for them."