The University of North Carolina at Greensboro announces that registration is underway for UNCG iSchool -- a state-funded program that enables public high school students to take courses online and get a head start on their college education. Moore County is a participant in this program, according to the list.

Students must enroll in UNCG iSchool courses through their local high schools, and registration is timed to coincide with high school course enrollments for 2008-09. In most communities across the state, enrollment decisions must be made by the end of March or early April.

UNCG iSchool is part of the Learn & Earn Online initiative championed by Gov. Mike Easley and funded by the N.C. General Assembly. Currently, students from 121 high schools in 61 counties are taking UNCG iSchool courses online and receiving both high school and college credit. Textbooks are provided free of charge.

"Students can take full-blown college courses online from their high school campus, regardless of where in North Carolina they live or their family income," said Robert Brown, dean of the UNCG Division of Continual Learning.

Students should use this simple, three-step process for enrolling in tuition-paid UNCG iSchool courses for 2008-09:

n Contact the school guidance counselor and ask that UNCG iSchool be added to your class schedule.

n Complete a UNCG visiting student information form, available online at http://ischool.uncg.edu

n Use a PIN number provided by UNCG to register online for the specific UNCG iSchool courses you want to take. (A complete list of courses is available at http://ischool.uncg.edu/).

UNCG iSchool courses span the general education categories required by most colleges and universities. Students receive UNCG transcripts and can transfer credit hours. Completing general education courses in high school allows them to dive into their major studies sooner, graduate ahead of schedule or carry a lighter course load when they arrive on campus.

Reasons This Program Can Work

n To save big bucks. Since early college classes are funded by tax dollars, you'll significantly reduce the cost of earning a two-year or four-year degree. Let's say your goal is to attend an out-of-state school where tuition can top $30,000 a year. You can save thousands by taking your required general education courses while in high school. You'll still be able to major and earn a degree from the college or university of your choice -- but in as little as half the time and half the cost.

n To improve your odds of graduating. Surveys show that students who arrive on a college campus with college credit already under their belt are far more likely to make a smooth transition and to graduate.

n To earn more. U.S. Census data shows that if you complete a bachelor's degree, you'll earn nearly twice as much as your classmates who stop with just a high school diploma. That means you can lead a more comfortable lifestyle and have far more choices when it comes to picking a career.

n To complete your degree early. If you want to earn your degree in less time, early college can put you on the fast track. You may be able to complete up to two full years of college credit before you arrive on campus.

n To get required "general education" courses out of the way. General education courses are the core classes required at most any college or university you attend, regardless of your major. By completing general education courses while you're still in high school, you'll be poised to dive into your major sooner. You'll have time to double or triple major, study abroad, graduate ahead of schedule or simply carry a lighter course load.

n To expand your horizons. Universities offer a variety of courses you won't find in your high school curriculum. That means you'll be able to spread your wings and try something new.

n To learn what college is like. You'll get real-world exposure to college course content and learn what university professors expect. You'll also learn new study techniques and time-management skills that can prepare you for working independently.

n To experience college without leaving your high school campus. Unlike other early college programs that require you to travel to a remote campus and take classes with people you don't know, you'll be able to experience college while remaining on your high school grounds. That means you won't have to disrupt relationships with your friends to get a head start on your degree.

n To sharpen your computer skills. Most colleges and universities expect you to arrive on campus knowing your way around a PC. By taking early college courses online, you'll have experience with Web-based applications routinely used on campuses across the country.

n To eliminate boredom. Have you heard the term "senioritis"? It's used to describe the boredom that can set in during your last year (or two) of high school. Don't be its latest victim. Keep your mind sharp by tackling new challenges.

To learn more, e-mail askdcl@uncg.edu, call (336) 256-2255 or (866) 940-6247, visit http://ischool.uncg.edu or access UNCG iSchool information on Digital Cable Channel 1234.