The Last 100 Posts

Posted in HS4CC

AI Just Changed College Forever: What You Need to Know About Dual Enrollment ASAP

I remember stretching my phone line across the hallway whenever I needed to plug my computer into the internet in 1994. I can’t even begin to explain all the ways technology has changed my life over the past 30 years, but if you’re close to my age, you get it. I admit, I wasn’t paying enough attention to AI in 2024-2025. Is it a robot? Is it like a better version of Google? Oh, so you’re telling me it can do math and write research papers? Wow, that’s going to make it hard for professors to detect cheating…. I had no idea.

Continue reading “AI Just Changed College Forever: What You Need to Know About Dual Enrollment ASAP”
Posted in HS4CC

Annual Survey – You Won’t Want to Miss This!

Each year we survey our Homeschooling for College Credit community to find out what families are loving (or not) and using to earn college credit. The results are always really exciting, and will be published at the end of the school year. Take a moment to let us know about your HS4CC program this year, even if you’re not up and running; your opinion matters. Take the survey.

This survey requires Google sign-in to ensure one response per person and protect the accuracy of our results. Your email address is not used for follow-up, marketing, or shared with any third party, and responses are combined into one report as a group.

Posted in HS4CC

GPA Help: Multiple Grade Scales

Recording grades from multiple sources used different grade scales? This challenge can become even more complex if you want to streamline your entire transcript onto one scale. If your homeschooler has taken college classes, it’s likely you’ve encountered differences in how grades are assigned vs those you’ve already assigned. If that’s happened to you, this will help you clean up your transcript.

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Posted in HS4CC

Graduating from Homeschool in 2026?

Every year, I am honored to celebrate with families that have been in the Homeschooling for College Credit and are moving on to the next stage of their lives. Many go to college, some start a business, others go into service. When someone graduates, they usually leave our little community, and I am so proud! Before you leave, I invite you to leave a small legacy for those following in your footsteps. Your story is inspirational, and I would love to feature it in our Happy Stories section. There are a few of you with specific types of homeschooling situations that homeschooling parents need to hear from! (See below)

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Posted in HS4CC

Honor Cord Fundraiser

Graduation is a moment worth celebrating – and a homeschool graduation is extra special! As an HS4CC parent, you have guided your teen through an incredible journey, not only completing high school but earning college credit along the way. That is no small achievement. The HS4CC Honor Cord fundraiser is a way to recognize their excellence.

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Posted in HS4CC

Studycom Drops Final Exams & Proctoring

If your student uses alternative forms of college credit, like Study.com for your homeschool, you’ll want to check the list below. I count 10 courses that have final exams deleted, and I just received an email from their team that NO COURSES will require proctored final exams anymore. Studycom joins Sophia and Straighterline in this practice. What will that mean for content integrity and acceptance of courses moving forward?

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Posted in Happy Stories

Happy Story: “Will This Work?”

Thank you, Stacy M., for sharing her daughter’s Happy Story with us below. Stacy has been a Homeschooling for College Credit parent for many years, the last few using Arizona State University courses alongside others in our Facebook group. Early Stacy wondered if this would work, if homeschooling would limit her daughter’s options, and if well-meaning relatives could be right.

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Posted in HS4CC

It’s Here! Our Annual Guide to Free College Credit Just Dropped.

This year’s guide is jam-packed with hundreds (thousands) of college credits, all free for the taking. We lost some programs from last year, but picked up a couple of new ones this year. A resourceful HS4CC parent could build an entire Homeschooling for College Credit program using free college credits. If this sounds exciting, grab the guide and bring down the cost of college.

Posted in HS4CC

Scholarships & Contests: April 2026

In this month’s list of scholarships and contests there are several opportunities for children as young as elementary school to enter! Remember, you can bank the money now to pay for college credits later!

Whether you are on the tail end of your student’s senior year, or you are just beginning the high school years, preparing your teen for college can be a bit overwhelming! Paying for the education is just one aspect of the overwhelm. Road2College is a resource that can be utilized, either as a free or paid member or as a visitor. Under the services drop down menu, you will find various services to buy, from membership plans to coaching sessions. However, there is a drop down menu of blog posts, arranged by general topic, that are great resources from topics of Applications, Family Life, Essays, and Scholarships, among others. The Free Resources tab includes guides for each year of high school, Admissions and Financing guides, and “Popular” guides. Overall, this looks like a helpful resource for families with college bound high school students.

AEA Educational Foundation Scholarship Programs

Sponsor: Aircraft Electronics Association

Amount: Varies

Closing Date: April 1, 2026

Description: Open to high school seniors and current college students who plan to major in an aviation field, specifically aircraft electronics or aviation maintenance.

Air Line Pilots Association Scholarship

Sponsor: Air Line Pilots Association

Amount: $60,000 ($15,000 per year)

Closing Date: April 1, 2026

Description: Available to children of medically retired, long-term disabled, or deceased ALPA members. The scholarship is awarded based on academic standing and financial need.

AFA Teens for Alzheimer’s Awareness College Scholarship

Sponsor: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

Amount: $5,000

Closing Date: April 1, 2026

Description: High school seniors are invited to write a 1,500-word essay or create a video about how Alzheimer’s disease has impacted their life, their family, or their community.

Bachelor’s Degree Scholarship in Communication and Journalism

Sponsor: Learn.org

Amount: $500

Closing Date: April 1, 2026

Description: This scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate students pursuing a major in Communications, Journalism, or a related field.

Drive Smart, Live Safe Scholarship

Sponsor: Centro Legal Hispano de Las Vegas

Amount: $2,500

Closing Date: April 1, 2026

Description: This scholarship is open to students enrolled in U.S. trade schools, technical schools, colleges, or graduate programs. Applicants must submit an original essay of 1,000 words or fewer exploring actionable strategies young people can use to reduce drunk driving and promote safer roads in their communities.

Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship

Sponsor: NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund

Amount: $3,000 per year (Renewable)

Closing Date: April 1, 2026

Description: This scholarship supports graduating high school seniors and first-year college students who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to public service. Applicants must submit an essay and two letters of recommendation.

Project Yellow Light Video Design Scholarship

Sponsor: Project Yellow Light

Amount: $8,000

Closing Date: April 1, 2026

Description: High school and college students are invited to create a short video (10 or 25 seconds) designed to warn their peers about the dangers of distracted driving. This is a creative way to use media for social change while earning tuition funds.

Wings of Expression Scholarship

Sponsor: Haque Law

Amount: $2,500 Scholarship + $500 for supplies

Closing Date: April 1, 2026

Description: This award supports students in trade, technical, undergraduate, or graduate programs across the U.S. Applicants must submit a vintage-style, “hawk wing” mural sketch and a 2–3 minute process video. The winner will travel to Houston to paint their eight-foot by six-foot design on a featured wall.

Albemarle Community Scholarship

Sponsor: Albemarle Foundation

Amount: Up to $5,000

Closing Date: April 9, 2026

Description: Open to high school seniors residing in communities where Albemarle operates. The award focuses on students pursuing careers in STEM or chemical manufacturing.

EnerGIS Scholarship

Sponsor: EnerGIS

Amount: $3,000

Closing Date: April 10, 2026

Description: For students interested in Geospatial Information Systems (GIS). Applicants should be pursuing a degree that utilizes GIS technology in the energy industry.

Milliman Opportunity Scholarship

Sponsor: Milliman

Amount: Up to $10,000

Closing Date: April 14, 2026

Description: Created to assist students from underrepresented communities who are pursuing a career in actuarial science, data science, or economics at a four-year university.

Defending Voices Without a Voice Scholarship

Sponsor: Kitchel Injury Law

Amount: $5,000 (Law Students) / $2,500 (Undergraduate)

Closing Date: April 15, 2026

Description: This scholarship supports students with a connection to the Washington, D.C., or Northern Virginia region who aspire to practice immigration law. Applicants must submit an original essay of 1,000 words or fewer discussing their motivation to advocate for immigrant communities and protect vulnerable populations.

Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes (Full Application)

Sponsor: Barron Prize

Amount: $10,000

Closing Date: April 15, 2026

Description: After a March pre-application, the full application is due in April. This prize honors students (ages 8-18) who have led significant service projects that benefit people or the environment.

Pretty Lightroom Presets Scholarship

Sponsor: Pretty Presets & Actions

Amount: $500

Closing Date: April 15, 2026

Description: Open to high school seniors and college students. Applicants must submit an essay and use Adobe Lightroom to edit a series of photos according to the prompt.

SKECHERS Academic Excellence Scholarship

Sponsor: Skechers

Amount: Varies

Closing Date: April 15, 2026

Description: Open to high school seniors who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence. The program rewards students who show strong leadership potential.

JA Scholarship Funding

Sponsor: Junior Achievement of Western PA

Amount: Varies

Closing Date: April 18, 2026

Description: Open to students who have participated in Junior Achievement programs. This funding helps cover tuition for local and national post-secondary institutions.

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholars Program

Sponsor: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

Amount: Varies (Educational Support)

Closing Date: April 29, 2026

Description: A selective program for high-performing 7th graders with financial need. It provides comprehensive advising and financial support from 8th grade through high school.

All About Education Scholarship

Sponsor: Unigo

Amount: $3,000

Closing Date: April 30, 2026

Description: In 250 words or less, explain how a $3,000 scholarship would make a difference in your life. Open to students 14 years or older.

RentHop’s College and University Scholarship

Sponsor: RentHop

Amount: $1,000

Closing Date: April 30, 2026

Description: Currently enrolled undergraduate students can apply by writing an essay on the importance of technology in the real estate industry.

The Sara Scholarship

Sponsor: Sara Myers Brown Equity Scholarship

Amount: $2,500

Closing Date: April 30, 2026

Description: A unique scholarship for female high school seniors who have an active interest in the game of golf. Selection is based on financial need and character.

Think for Yourself Scholarship

Sponsor: Let Grow

Amount: Up to $5,000

Closing Date: April 30, 2026

Description: High school seniors are asked to write an essay about a time they stood up for a belief that was unpopular or thought for themselves in a difficult situation.

3M Young Scientist Challenge

Sponsor: 3M and Discovery Education

Amount: $25,000

Closing Date: April 30, 2026

Description: Open to students in grades 5-8. Participants submit a 1-2 minute video explaining an original idea for a new invention that solves an everyday problem.

The America Library of Poetry Student Contest

Sponsor: The America Library of Poetry

Amount: Varies (Prizes & Publication)

Closing Date: April 30, 2026

Description: This national poetry contest is open to students in grades K-12. It’s a great opportunity for young writers to see their work published in a national anthology.

AbbVie Immunology Scholarship

Sponsor: AbbVie

Amount: $15,000

Closing Date: April 30, 2026

Description: This scholarship supports students living with specific immune-mediated diseases as they pursue higher education. It is open to high school seniors and college students nationwide.

Posted in HS4CC

Class of 2026 Free Tuition Opportunities

As some of you have teens planning to graduate at the end of the semester, the cost of college is getting real. I have compiled a list of 15 different states that offer a “last-dollar” or free-college programs. “Last dollar” programs mean the program pays your balance after your regular grants and scholarships are used – but it also means NO LOANS. If you live in one of these states, I hope it helps you get your teen out of college debt-free!

Continue reading “Class of 2026 Free Tuition Opportunities”
Posted in HS4CC

2 CLEPs to Take in 10th Grade

10th grade is a great time to plan a CLEP if you have a teen who studies well and retains information.  While I consider 11th and 12th grades to be the “sweet spot” to homeschool for the most college credit, CLEP exams can be taken in any grade and at any age – and these two exams fit perfectly in almost every homeschool in 10th grade.

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Posted in HS4CC

We Have a Winner!

🎉 February HS4CC $250 Gives Back Winner Announced! 🎉

We are excited to announce that Dianna Kennedy is our February HS4CC $250 Gives Back winner! Dianna homeschools her kids in Kentucky.

Dianna says she’s been following the Homeschooling for College Credit community since 2023 and that it’s been an “invaluable resource to help our family incorporate college credit into the high school years without compromising our goals and values.”

We are thrilled to celebrate her and happy to help her get started with Homeschooling for College Credit.

It’s not too late to get in on our final HS4CC Gives Back drawing. It will be held on March 31, 2026. We will be giving away $100 to one lucky Homeschooling for College Credit parent to help support their homeschooling costs.

👉 Get in on the March drawing by joining HS4CC Gives Back here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hs4cc

Or, send us an entry by mail! No purchase necessary.

Posted in Happy Stories

Happy Story: Two Homeschool Martial Arts Students Become Entrepreneurs

Thank you to homeschooling parent Francia from Texas for allowing me to share both her son’s Homeschooling for College Credit success stories! These young men are graduating from high school with their diplomas and degrees and starting their own businesses!

Continue reading “Happy Story: Two Homeschool Martial Arts Students Become Entrepreneurs”
Posted in HS4CC

Scholarships & Contests: March 2026

Your high school student doesn’t have to be a senior to apply for scholarships! This month features scholarships and contests open to students as young as kindergarten (!), but if your student is at least age 13, you won’t want to miss these. This month includes opportunities for Eagle Scouts, young artists, cybersecurity, endangered species advocacy, and superheroes!

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Posted in HS4CC

HS4CC Graduation Honor Cords are Here!

Graduation is a moment worth celebrating – and a homeschool graduation is extra special! As an HS4CC parent, you have guided your teen through an incredible journey, not only completing high school but earning college credit along the way. That is no small achievement. The HS4CC Honor Cord exists to recognize exactly that kind of excellence.

Continue reading “HS4CC Graduation Honor Cords are Here!”
Posted in HS4CC

HS4CC Graduation Honor Cords are Here!

Graduation is a moment worth celebrating – and a homeschool graduation is extra special! As an HS4CC parent, you have guided your teen through an incredible journey, not only completing high school but earning college credit along the way. That is no small achievement. The HS4CC Honor Cord exists to recognize exactly that kind of excellence.

Continue reading “HS4CC Graduation Honor Cords are Here!”
Posted in HS4CC

The Homeschool GPA

Public and private schools determine their grading scale, and so will you. Whether advanced courses receive extra weight, and whether they report a weighted or unweighted GPA on the transcript, these are all decisions you’ll make as you assemble your teen’s transcript and set up your “policy” for your school. There is no national standard. There is no universal formula. GPA policies vary widely from one school to the next.

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Posted in HS4CC

Your Minor in College Classes: What is Your Role?

College classes are part of an adult academic system with clear legal, professional, and even cultural boundaries. For homeschoolers, especially those of us who have teens who have never “been to school,” this is an enormously stressful new dance between the parent and the professor. Turf wars are real. Academic records are forever. Dual enrollment is expensive. We need to talk about this more.

Continue reading “Your Minor in College Classes: What is Your Role?”
Posted in HS4CC

We Have a Winner!

🎉 January HS4CC $250 Gives Back Winner Announced! 🎉

We are excited to announce that Michelle Jones is our January HS4CC $250 Gives Back winner! Michelle homeschools four children in Missouri, with two already graduated and two still in school. She is currently planning her daughter’s first year of high school, making this award especially timely as her family enters an exciting new season.

When Michelle found out she was the winner, she shared with us, “I have never won anything!” 💙
We are thrilled to celebrate her and happy to help her get started with Homeschooling for College Credit.

Want to be part of the next drawing?
Our February HS4CC Gives Back drawing is coming up soon, and we’ll be giving away another $250 to one of our members.

👉 Get in on the February drawing by joining HS4CC Gives Back here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hs4cc

Or, send us an entry by mail! No purchase necessary.

Posted in HS4CC

When Diplomas Trump Degrees

For years, families have been told that college is always the safer bet. HS4CC is all about the inevitability of going to college! The Class of 2026 now has a level of transparency not previously available to students choosing their college. We will now know in advance if a student graduating from that institution is likely to earn more money than a high school grad without a bachelor’s degree. List included.

Continue reading “When Diplomas Trump Degrees”
Posted in HS4CC

HS4CC Honor Cords: On Sale Now

Graduation is a moment worth celebrating – and a homeschool graduation is extra special! As an HS4CC parent, you have guided your teen through an incredible journey, not only completing high school but earning college credit along the way. That is no small achievement. The HS4CC Honor Cord exists to recognize exactly that kind of excellence.

Continue reading “HS4CC Honor Cords: On Sale Now”