In an effort to provide students with more college preparation, the Mansfield Independent School District recently announced the iStart Dual Credit Program, which also involves the Tarrant County College District, effective for the class of 2016 and beyond.

“You (will) get to taste the college experience, while you’re still in the safe environment of high school,” Principal Derrell Douglas said.

The new program is similar to that of the already established, TCC Dual Credit Program, however iStart will offer nearly double the possible college hours.

“If you’re an iStart student, you could finish with 48 college hours for nothing (free of cost),” Counselor LeeAnne Grommesh said.

Arrangements for the start of the program have begun.

“Mrs. Grommesh is already testing our students to qualify for next year,” Douglas said.

Being a part of the program could save students future college expenses.

“You don’t have to pay for books or fees if you’re on a free and reduced lunch program,” Grommesh said. “If you’re not you only pay $50 per class, which is normally $170, plus your books.”

Junior Farah Abbubaker, who is a part of the existing dual credit program, said she would have signed up for the new plan.

“I wish I could have had that opportunity,” she said. “You can save hundreds of dollars.”

The goal of the program is to benefit students.

“Timberview is the students, and the teachers and the parents here,” Douglas said. “If we’re doing something that benefits the students, we’re benefitting the school, because they are the school.”

He said he recommends the program to all students.

Douglas said, “If somebody’s parent is reading this, I’m telling them, you get your kid in the iStart program.”