Tamaqua Area High School students could soon graduate not only with their diploma, but also an associate degree from Lehigh Carbon Community College.

High school Principal Tom McCabe said at Tuesday's school board committee meeting that district administrators met with LCCC to discuss the program, which is expected to begin in the fall.McCabe said the students would start their sophomore year, and those who successfully complete the program would graduate with both a degree from Tamaqua high school, as well as an associate degree from LCCC.He said that about 85 percent of the courses would be taken at the Morgan Center on High Street, alleviating most of the need for transportation."LCCC has gone above and beyond to work with and accommodate our students," McCabe said. "We needed to have specifics; they were able to provide detailed specifics."McCabe said students would have to successfully complete 60 credits through the program; 18 their sophomore year, 24 their junior year, and 18 their senior year.To be eligible, he said any student who would like to be a part of the program has to take LCCC's entrance exam, and noted that admission into the program is contingent on how they score on the entrance exam.Additionally, the students will be required to maintain the district's graduation requirements, McCabe said."It really is going to be a strenuous process for these students; it really doesn't lighten their load at the home school," he said. "It will be a testament of the perseverance, work ethic and determination of the students who will be able to complete this program."To date, McCabe said the district has three students interested in taking the program, though another eight parents called to inquire about the program.Board President Larry Wittig appeared to be a proponent of the program."I think this is a great deal," Wittig said.McCabe said a portion of the students' tuition would be covered through the Morgan Foundation."We're pleased to continue to work with LCCC," he said. "We would like to express how much input they have provided, and the opportunities that they continue to provide our students and offer just endless benefits toward our students success."