Preparation for college and future life goals are an investment that Jackson County is nurturing in the community's youth.

Jackson County Early College is an innovative program between Southwestern Community College and Jackson County Public Schools that offers high school students the opportunity to earn their high school diploma and an associate's degree or two years of college credit toward a transfer degree.

The program includes grades 9 through 12 and is located on the SCC campus in Sylva.

Major components of the program's success include a supportive teaching structure and allowing students to be physically on the college campus with access to all programs or facilities like the library or tutoring services, according to SCC College Access Liaison Andrea Woolum.

"It's a step up to the plate and better prepares students for college," Woolum said.

The new approach to high school was implemented in Jackson County in 2008-09 school year with 59 freshmen and sophomores.

"It's gone well this year, and I hear students talk about the pride they have in being here," Woolum said.

The program was designed for students who need more rigorous curriculum or don't fit in at a traditional high school.

Early college students take classes with peers and tuition is free.

"The program is not just for the cream of the crop students," Woolum said. "It's a mix of ethnicities, gender and academic levels. It's for students who want to go to college early."

Students interested in Jackson County's Early College must undergo an application process and an interview.

For more information call 828.586.4091 or visit www.southwesterncc.edu.