Get a head start on college and a high-demand career in polymer manufacturing with Penn College’s new two-year certificate program in Polymer Processing. Designed for high school students through dual enrollment and early college initiatives, these programs offer hands-on training, industry-grade equipment, and a fast track to high-paying technical jobs in extrusion or injection molding operations.
High school juniors and seniors can spend their mornings at Penn College, taking about 8 credits per semester. Classes include polymer processing plus general education courses like Math and English.
Over two years, students earn 32 college credits at no cost—a head start toward a degree. After the certificate:
Associate degree: just 1 more year
Bachelor’s degree: just 3 more years
Priority deadline to apply is February 1, 2026
Recommended deadline to apply is July 1, 2026
32
Credits before High School Graduation
One College Certificate
$0
Grant-funded (Free) for High School Students
Polymers shape the world around us. At Penn College, we primarily study plastics, classified as a type of polymer. The development of polymers, under the umbrella of materials science, has led to many advancements in the material world we interact with everyday.
Through the use of highly engineered polymers, our shoes help us run faster and jump higher than ever before.
Sutures, IV tubes, prosthetics, and hernia & brain patch applications are all made with polymer materials.
Polymers used in housing insulation significantly reduce heating and cooling costs.
New automobiles can be made with up to 50% plastic materials, significantly reducing fuel consumption.
Earn up to 32 college credits while in high school — equivalent to a full year of college — at no cost to you. That’s a nearly $20,000 head start toward your future.
Our dual enrollment option means motivated students can complete a certificate in just one year, building momentum toward an associate or bachelor’s degree in polymer engineering technology.
Gain hands-on experience with industrial-grade injection molding machines (electric and hydraulic), single- and twin-screw extruders, and auxiliary equipment used by top manufacturers.
These skillsets are critical to success in the plastics and polymer workforce, going far beyond basic operator roles.
When you study at Penn College, your instructors will do more than know your name. They'll get to know you. Experienced, passionate, and dedicated to your success, Penn College faculty are here to support your academic journey.
| First Semester | Credits | |
| FYE101 | First Year Experience | 1 |
| MTH123 or MTH181 | Technical Algebra & Trigonometry I or College Algebra & Trigonometry I | 3 |
| PPT118 | Polymer Processing Survey - Lecture | 3 |
| PPT119 | Polymer Processing Survey - Lab | 1 |
| MSC127 | Introduction to Polymer Science | 3 |
| MSC128 | Introduction to Polymer Science - Lab | 1 |
| PPT129 | Polymer Testing - Lab | 1 |
| QAL131 | Introduction to Quality Control | 2 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 15 | |
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2400810. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
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