SSCC graduate achieves academic success through College Credit Plus Program

By Elizabeth Burkard
Director of Marketing
Southern State Community College

Through the College Credit Plus (CCP) Program at Southern State, Addyston Knauff was able to enhance her career readiness portfolio, accelerate her post-secondary degree, and find academic success through dedication, perseverance, and early college engagement, all while still in high school.
 
Knauff began taking college-level courses during her sophomore year at Hillsboro City Schools. “I initially decided to attend Southern State because I wanted to get a head start on my college education while still in high school,” she recalls.
 
“What I love most about Southern State is how everyone treated me like family,” Knauff said. “The college provides a ton of resources, including the Learning Services and Accessibility Program. Every time I walked in the door, I was greeted with a smile, and all of my questions were always answered,” said Knauff.
 
Not only did the campus feel like home to Knauff, but it was the faculty and staff who truly made the difference. “I knew attending Southern State was the right option for me on the first day of class. I was motivated, from the start, to earn my associate degree, and I successfully achieved that goal before I even graduated high school at a significant cost savings,” Knauff said.
 
Participating in the CCP Program gave Knauff the confidence to challenge herself and pursue her goals earlier than she ever imagined, all while maintaining work and other activities. “While being enrolled at Southern State, I was still able to have a part-time job and be actively involved at my high school and in community and leadership development programs,” recalls Knauff.
 
Knauff graduated high school and college at the same time, in May 2025, with her Associate of Arts degree, and then seamlessly transferred her credits to Wilmington College where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Leadership and Communications with a minor in Business Administration.
 
“Thanks to the credits earned at Southern State, I am on track to graduate early,” Knauff said. She is also currently enrolled in Southern State’s Real Estate Program.
 
When asked if she would recommend Southern State to others, Knauff’s answer was an easy one, and without hesitation. “I would absolutely recommend Southern State and the CCP Program,” Knauff said. “Southern State has helped me grow both academically and professionally, and it has played a major role in my personal and professional development,” Knauff states.
 
“Southern State accommodates students at any age or stage in life and is an excellent option for those who want to stay connected to their community while furthering their education.” Knauff said.
 
The CCP Program allows eligible middle and high school students to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously by taking courses at participating colleges and universities, like Southern State. This program opens doors for students by providing access to rigorous coursework, reducing college costs, and accelerating degree completion.
 
Students who complete an associate degree at Southern State are eligible for Ohio Transfer 36 (OT36) guaranteed transfer credit at Ohio public universities for recognized foundational courses taken during the first two years of college.
 
By sharing her story, Knauff hopes to inspire other students to take advantage of the opportunity. “I would tell any student considering CCP to go for it,” Knauff said. “It’s challenging, but it’s worth it.”
 
For more information about the College Credit Plus Program at Southern State, visit www.sscc.edu or contact Lauri Bolitho at 937.393.3431, Ext. 2607 or email her at lbolitho@sscc.edu.
 
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