LEWISTON — A Central Maine Community College dual enrollment program in graphic communications was featured recently in an article by William Hamilton published in the Providence Business News in Rhode Island.

The agreement, unique in Rhode Island with an out-of-state community college, enables high school students who succeed in approved courses to earn college credits that they can apply toward degree requirements at most colleges.

The agreement is one among 10 that CMCC has with the Woonsocket Area Career and Technical Center. They are tied to courses on the building trades, culinary arts and automotive technology.

“This is an effective way to encourage more students to start considering a career path while still in high school,” said Roger Philippon, dean of planning and public affairs at CMCC.

CMCC has in place a large number of articulation and dual-enrollment agreements with many schools in Maine and northern New England. The agreement with Woonsocket Area Career and Technical Center is the first in Rhode Island.

Ten students from Woonsocket attended the fall open house held recently at CMCC and met with admissions representatives and faculty members in the Graphics Communications program.

The program at CMCC is the only such degree program in the state, and offers students the option of earning a certificate or an associate of applied science degree. Students may choose concentrations in digital imaging, graphic design or press and bindery. The program prepares students for a broad range of employment opportunities available in the printing industry. A significant number of graduates are working in many commercial graphics companies located throughout Maine.