Welcome to CCC's High School Connections programs!

"More" doesn't always mean "better" when it comes to college courses. Intentional credit, or "credits with a purpose" means you should choose college courses that will help you advance your goals!

You are building a college transcript when you register for college credit, so it's key to track your grades and what college classes (e.g., ACC classes, AP exams, etc.) you have taken.

If you want to know how your college credit fits into your future goals, email hsconnections@clackamas.edu to schedule a meeting with the High School Connections advisor at CCC!

You can also view our college course catalog to explore degree and certificate options at CCC.

High school students who earn college credit while in high school can still qualify for Oregon Promise and financial aid after graduation, but the credit earned could impact eligibility. For Oregon Promise, students remain eligible as long as they have not earned or attempted 90 college credits. College credits earned through programs like Advanced College Credit (ACC), Expanded Options, AP, or IB are included in your cumulative GPA and count toward the 90-credit limit.

Students taking college classes through Expanded Options are also eligible for Oregon Promise, provided they complete a high school diploma or GED, apply within the Oregon Promise timeline and attend a community college within six months of graduation. (Expanded Options courses are usually free to students and typically cost less than Oregon Promise tuition.) Keep in mind that Oregon Promise helps pay for community college tuition after other grants are applied, but it does not cover books, fees or housing.

Taking ACC classes in high school is often the most affordable option — and it can save you time by allowing you to complete college requirements sooner. To ensure your ACC courses apply toward your degree or certificate, contact our CCC Advisor for high school students at hsconnections@clackamas.edu.

Before graduation, students should check with the Financial Aid Office at the college they plan to attend to make sure they understand their eligibility and the financial aid options available to them.

• CCC's Financial Aid & Scholarship information
• Oregon Promise

One of the most common questions from students and families is the following: “What’s the difference between the Advanced College Credit (ACC) program at CCC and the Advanced Placement (AP) program in high school?”

Advanced College Credit (ACC) is a dual-credit program at Clackamas Community College governed by Oregon State Standards and Administrative Rules. It allows high school students to earn college credit for approved college-level courses taught at their high school by approved instructors. Students who register for ACC courses receive a college grade (A–F) based on their class performance. In some cases, an AP course may also qualify as an ACC course. Credits earned through ACC appear on an official CCC transcript and may be transferable to other colleges or universities. Learn more about ACC registration. 

Advanced Placement (AP) is a national program governed by the College Board that allows students to earn potential college credit by taking a standardized AP exam at the end of an AP course. Exams are scored on a five-point scale, and each college sets its own AP score credit policies. To receive AP credit at CCC, students must submit an official AP exam score to CCC’s Graduation Services team. Credit is awarded based on evaluation standards in effect when scores are received. A list of CCC’s AP Test Score Equivalencies can be found on CCC’s Other Credit Options webpage. Students may request official AP transcripts by following the instructions on the College Board website.

Clackamas Community College offers a variety of resources to help students succeed both in and out of the classroom. As a high school student taking classes at CCC, you have access to all the same college resources as all other students, including tutoring, advising, career services, mental health counseling, basic needs support and more! A list of all the student resources available at CCC can be found on the  Student Resources webpage.

Families, when your high school student begins taking college classes through Clackamas Community College, your support can make a big difference! Here are a few simple ways to help them succeed:

• Respect their independence: Once enrolled at CCC, your student’s college records are protected by privacy laws (FERPA). Encourage them to take the lead in communicating with instructors and staff.
• Encourage self-advocacy: If challenges come up, guide your student to reach out for help directly — it builds confidence and responsibility.
• Support good habits: Help your student stay organized, manage their time and connect with campus resources like advising, tutoring and career services.