High School Students
Learn More About Pickens’ Concurrent Enrollment Options for High Schoolers
High school students enrolled at Pickens Technical College will spend half of their school day at their home school continuing their high school curriculum and the other half of their school day on the Pickens Technical College campus in their program of study. Enrollment as a high school student gives students a chance not only to earn a certificate in one of our 25+ offered programs, but students will also earn college credits transferable to any accredited community college in the state.
Programs at Pickens have entry points at the beginning of every Fall. Some programs may also have entry point in the Spring. Positions in class are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and enrollment is open year-round. Speak to your high school counselor or contact Pickens’ Career Advisors to learn more.
Resources for High School Students Interested in Enrollment
If you’re interested in learning more about enrolling at Pickens Technical College as a high school student, you’ll find helpful information about the process at the following links:
High School Registration Checklist Aurora Public School Student Fee Chart
All Other District Student Fee Chart ASCENT Scholarship Application

The ASCENT Program
Accelerating Students Through Concurrent Enrollment (ASCENT) is a state-funded scholarship program designed to assist eligible students in paying for their first year of college. Those who qualify and are awarded ASCENT have their entire Pickens Technical College tuition paid for by the scholarship. To be eligible, students must:
- Be on track to graduate high school by the end of the applicable school year
- Have earned 12 or more college credits by the end of their senior year
- Have a grade of C or higher in all applied college credits
- Learn more on the Aurora Public School’s (APS) ASCENT Website. Students outside of APS are advised to meet with their own counseling department for more information.

Enrollment for High School Students
High School Students Interested in Enrolling Should Complete the Following:
- Complete the career exploration assessment
- Explore offered programs of study
- Meet with your high school counselor to discuss your eligibility
- Create an academic plan with your counselor
- Complete your application for enrollment through your high school counselor

Executive Internship
The Executive Internship Program is a 1 semester, high school-student-only program focused on providing students with a real-world workplace environment to learn the following:
- Write resumes
- Interview for internships and jobs
- Best practices for the workplace
- What type of work and careers they would like to pursue

Apprenticeship to Teaching
The Apprenticeship to Teaching (A2T) Program is a 2 semester, high school-student-only program focused on providing students with a real-world workplace environment:
- Create resumes, apply, and interview for paraprofessional apprenticeship jobs within APS elementary schools
- Spend 4 days a week gaining valuable hands-on experience within the elementary schools
- Earn 6 college credits from CCA as well as 3 elective credits for high school
- Learn workplace best practices