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When Tanner Nun recommends dual credit classes to his students at Diller-Odell High School, he is speaking from personal experience. As a student at Fillmore Central, he was able to take dual credit welding classes offered through the Southeast Nebraska Career Academy Partnership at Southeast Community College to kickstart his college experience.

“I knew that I wanted to be an ag teacher when I took my dual credit welding classes in high school,” Nun said. “My teacher did a great job of teaching the class and I couldn’t tell the difference between a high school and college class other than I knew it was a more advanced welding class.”

Nun is starting his fourth year as an agriculture educator and Future Farmers of America advisor at Diller-Odell. He sees a correlation between the advantages of taking dual credit classes and being involved in student organizations while in high school. Both prepare you for college and your future career.

“I think taking dual credit classes is a great opportunity for students to take advantage of. For ag students, taking advanced welding techniques and information is a great way for them to build the skills required for the workforce without having to pay full college tuition and start their career faster,” Nun explained. “FFA provides hands-on skills and the opportunity to participate in competitions based on the real-world agriculture industry. I also encourage students to participate in speech contests because public speaking, in my opinion, is the skill that will benefit all of them regardless of their career interests.”

SCC offers dual credit opportunities in 64 high schools in Southeast Nebraska to over 3,400 students. This allows high school students to jump start their post-secondary degree as well as explore career opportunities while still in high school. The offerings include 150+ dual credit courses in 18 transfer pathways. In addition, SCC has 16 certificate and seven diploma options for dual credit students allowing them to earn a college credential while in high school to enter the workforce directly from high school.

Beginning in July 2025, SCC will implement a phased transition in how dual credit funding is allocated. For the 2025-2026 academic year, SCC will retain 20% of the funds previously distributed to the school districts. In 2026-2027, school districts will no longer receive any funding from SCC. Throughout this transition, SCC will maintain its commitment to covering 60% of dual credit instructor salaries. The funds retained by the College will be reinvested within the SENCAP program to enhance student initiatives.

The funding reallocation will support expanded student services to our dual credit students. SCC added SENCAP Career Explorers to provide comprehensive student support as well as advising. Additionally, Faculty Liaisons were added to expand collaboration and support for instructors teaching dual credit at their high school locations. Additionally, the Nebraska legislature's passage of LB261 ensures SCC can continue offering a 65% tuition discount to dual credit students for the 2025-2026 academic year, supporting affordability while the college strengthens its dual credit infrastructure and student support systems.

“I appreciate the collaboration and partnerships SCC has had with our area high schools to offer dual credit opportunities to high school students,” said Dr. Joel Michaelis, SCC vice president of instruction. “We believe these changes will significantly benefit our students and educators, fostering a more robust and supportive educational environment.”

Jennifer Snyder
Communications Specialist
Southeast Community College
402-323-3393
jsnyder@southeast.edu