There once was a time when college students had to wait until they were IN COLLEGE to earn course credits. That seems hard to believe these days with the numerous dual enrollment opportunities available. FSU is no exception, offering high school students the benefits of earning college credits through a special academy.

In 2023, Frostburg announced a partnership with both Allegany and Garrett County Public Schools to offer the Bobcat Academy – a dual enrollment pilot program to give motivated high school juniors and seniors an immersive college experience (and an opportunity to earn college credits) while simultaneously completing high school. Classes are offered on FSU’s campus, allowing for a true college experience. And best of all – upon high school graduation, these students will gain acceptance into FSU to complete their pursuit of a bachelor’s degree and beyond. In addition, the students’ home county public school systems cover the cost of their FSU tuition and textbooks while they are enrolled in the Bobcat Academy.

According to Bobcat Academy Coordinator Dr. Keith Terry, the first year of the program saw seven participants and that number grew to 15 during the second year. “My impressions of the Bobcat Academy students are that they are early adopters,” said Terry. “While many of their peers may not be willing to risk trying something new, the Academy kids seem to relish the idea of potential opportunities, newfound flexibility and assuming more responsibility for their own education and time.”

Terry said that nearly all of the students in the Bobcat Academy have excelled in their FSU classes in areas that include chemistry, engineering, psychology, environmental science, business, nursing and criminal and legal studies, just to name a few. When asked about differences between high school and college, Terry noted that while the students think college coursework is more challenging and requires them to be more self-directed and organized, most academy-goers feel a greater sense of freedom at FSU.

Students in the Bobcat Academy take between 12-16 college credits each semester. “Their schedules are arranged so that they finish in time to return to their high schools to participate in extracurricular activities," said Terry. Those starting the program in their senior year of high school will complete equivalent courses at FSU that meet their high school requirements. Those beginning in their junior year will have completed two years of college at the same time they receive their high school diplomas.

“The Bobcat Academy students have a full-time academic advisor and mentor who provides them with an orientation to campus and introduces them to many helpful professionals before classes even begin,” Terry noted. “This person also meets with each of them multiple times each semester to gauge their progress and answers questions.”

Meet Hailey Wildesen

Northern Garrett High School Class of 2024
Grantsville, Md.

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What is your major at FSU?

I am currently a junior at Frostburg State majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Economics. 

How did you hear about the Bobcat Academy?

I first heard about Bobcat Academy via a recruiting email I received from Dr. Terry during my junior year of high school.

What made you enroll in the academy?

Having taken previous dual enrollment courses, I decided to enroll in Bobcat Academy because it seemed like an excellent, affordable opportunity to get a jumpstart in furthering my education.

What are some skill sets you acquired by participating in the academy?

Through this program, I have developed my critical thinking skills, improved my interpersonal skills and enhanced my ability as a better writer and speaker.

Is there one instructor that really inspired/helped you during the academy?

During the program all the instructors were supportive mentors. Particularly Dr. Sydney Duncan was an inspiration for me and her Business Writing course helped to equip me with skills for a career as a business professional.

Did participating in the academy influence your decision to attend FSU?

The program had a significant impact on my decision to stay at FSU as it gave me previous experience with FSU's environment and introduced me to a vast network of connections.

What would you say to high school students who may be considering enrolling in the Bobcat Academy?

I would strongly encourage other high school students to participate in Bobcat Academy. This collaborative program provides you with the chance to further your educational career while having new experiences.

Wildesen began the Bobcat Academy in 2023 and enrolled in FSU in the fall of 2024. She is a first-generation college student.

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Meet Jackson Clark

Junior, Allegany High School
Cumberland, Md.

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What are some skill sets you are acquiring by participating in the academy?

Time management, specifically. I was a lot better at working properly and on time by the end of the semester.

Is there one instructor or mentor that really inspires you during the academy?

Mrs. Larissa Allen, Associate Director of the Career and Professional Development Center was very helpful in getting me used to college life.

What would you say to other high school students who may be considering enrolling in the Bobcat Academy?

It's a great program. Class times are more flexible, and the two years off college is an amazing benefit that will help me immensely later in life.

Clark began the Bobcat Academy in 2024. He plans to attend FSU when he graduates high school and is the first in his family to pursue a bachelor’s degree.