Cooperative Innovative High School Programs

Cooperative Innovative High School Programs are located on college campuses, enroll 100 or fewer students per grade level, and provide opportunities for students to complete an associate degree program, diploma, certificate, or earn up to two years of college credit while completing a high school diploma within five years are defined as Cooperative Innovative High School Programs.
Eligibility requirements for Cooperative Innovative High School Programs are established jointly by local boards of education and local boards of trustees in accordance with G.S. 115C-238.50 and ID SBCCC 400.11.
The AA/AS/AE/AFA/AAS degree, diplomas and certificates may be awarded prior to high school graduation verification. The graduation date assigned should be within the same term for which the student completed the certificate, diploma or degree.
CIHS Students may not be enrolled in the Associate in General Education or General Occupational Technology programs
Cooperative Innovative High School students may not enroll in developmental courses.
Cooperative Innovative High School students may enroll in supplemental courses.
Cooperative Innovative High School students may enroll in curriculum transition courses, but may not enroll in non-curriculum transition courses.
Cooperative Innovative High School Students may not audit courses.
Students pursuing credits beyond the initial transfer associate degree must provide documentation of justification based upon career pathway needs or transfer program requirements (i.e. bachelor degree plan published by the University of North Carolina). The high school principal or the high school
principal’s designee and the college’s chief student development administrator or the college’s chief academic officer must approve prior to enrollment in credits beyond the initial transfer program of study. Approval is contingent upon documentation of justification based upon career pathway needs or transfer program requirements (i.e. bachelor degree plan published by the University of North Carolina).
CIHS students who are successfully progressing towards high school graduation have access to the CIHS program for up to five years - one year as a freshman, one year as a sophomore, one year as a junior, one year as a senior and one year as a super senior.
The State Board of Community Colleges may waive the requirement that a Cooperative Innovative High School Program is located on the community college campus. Exceptions will be based on the local needs as outlined in the location waiver request. The approved waiver shall be maintained locally for documentation. The State Board of Community Colleges shall use the following factors to determine whether to approve location waivers: a. Space availability b. School Capacity c. Proximity to the student population d. Suitable, available space with equipment specific to the curriculum.