The A+ program is for students to sign up for from their freshman year to senior year and become eligible for two free years of the community college of their choice. This can be achieved through the mentor program, tutoring at a school in the District or helping with Vacation Station over summer. These hours can only accumulated during junior year or first semester of senior year. However, most students end up putting off their hours until the first semester of their senior year.

“I think it’s really easy to procrastinate,” A+ coordinator Ann Herman said. “We encourage students not to wait ’til the last minute by recommending what time of year they are least busy or have the fewest obligations. Planning ahead is very important.”

Most seniors feel they put off their hours because they are too busy with sports or other activities outside of school like working or family. Some also believe 50 hours is a lot to obtain a semester at a time.

“I was going to do it over summer, but spots filled up too quickly and I missed my opportunity,” senior Brenden Mollett said. “If it weren’t for cross country being after school everyday I would go over and do A+ at the elementary school, but I just don’t have time for it.”

To be accepted by A+, students must graduate with a 2.5 GPA, good citizenship, 95% attendance and now proficient or advanced on the Algebra 1 EOC. Once students become eligible, they must complete 50 hours of student leadership and track their hours with their A+ coordinator. Once the 50 hours are complete, forms are turned into guidance.

“Procrastination was a major effect in my planning process, and A+ is a good thing to get even if you are going to a college that doesn’t accept it,” senior Patrick Quinn said. “It is a good resource to have as a backup plan in case you don’t like going to big colleges and want to do community college.”