Limited dual credit classes aim to draw East Idaho high schoolers to in-demand careers

Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on April 1, 2026

By: Kaeden Lincoln

IDAHO FALLS — The College of Eastern Idaho and the Idaho National Laboratory are launching a summer dual-credit program to steer local high schoolers toward careers in STEM.

The Summer STEM Bridge Program aims to connect students with the region’s most in-demand fields, like energy, cybersecurity and engineering, according to a CEI press release.

Enrollees will take Fundamentals of Network Security, a college math class and go on two field trips at INL facilities. The program offers five to six free credits, but seats are limited.

High school sophomores, juniors and graduating seniors can enroll.

The in-person program will run from June 2 to July 23 at CEI’s campus in Idaho Falls.

The program is the first for CEI’s new campus-based Battelle Energy Alliance Applied STEM Institute building.

The program is part of a broader push to help Idaho high schoolers earn free college credits through programs like Advanced Opportunities, which provides scholarships to pay for students’ dual-credit classes.

The college will host an information session for students and parents at 7 p.m., April 13, on the CEI campus.

Students can sign up on CEI’s website.