Entering its second century of instruction, Lehi High School has added more opportunities for its students to get college credit while in high school, even as the state Legislature is considering changes to the program.

There are about 19,000 high school students statewide who are saving more than $19 million a year through the concurrent enrollment program.

"We offer lots of opportunities at Lehi for students to learn material on a college level and get college credit. And for $35, you just can't beat it," said Bob Barnes, the Lehi High School counselor over concurrent enrollment.

As Lehi students decide on their 2009-2010 schedules, they now have 20 concurrent enrollment courses to choose from, including new classes in astronomy, chemistry and principles of leadership.

"The credits are good at UVU and all of the state-funded schools," Barnes said. Brigham Young University and Westminster College also accept some transfer credits. "We've had a substantial increase over last year in the number of students enrolled in these classes," Barnes said.

"I think it's a great opportunity for students to get some of their general classes out of the way," said Lehi High School Assistant Principal Doug Webb.

Students who take concurrent classes now pay a one-time $35 fee, and they can enroll in as many concurrent classes as they can fit into their schedules.

Institutions of higher education, though, are taking a beating from the program because the state hasn't fully funded it, and there isn't any additional money to lend to the program. Senate Bill 81, which was debated Tuesday by a legislative committee, takes a few steps to try to solve some of the problems:

• It would allow colleges to charge fees to participate in honors-type programs related to science, technology, engineering and math.

• It would require students to take a test before they are able to take certain classes.

"It's a huge expense to higher education," said bill sponsor Sen. Margaret Dayton, R-Orem.