Early College
Early college
Early college is a bold approach, based on the principle that academic rigor, combined with the opportunity to save time and money, is a powerful motivator for students to work hard and meet serious intellectual challenges. Early college high schools blend high school and college in a rigorous yet supportive program, compressing the time it takes to complete a high school diploma and the first two years of college.
Since 2002, the partner organizations of the Early College High School Initiative have started or redesigned 240+ schools serving more than 75,000 students in 35 states. The schools are designed to assist low-income youth, first-generation college students, English language learners, students of color, and other young people underrepresented in higher education simultaneously earn a high school diploma and up to an associate degree or two years of credit toward a bachelor’s degree—tuition free.
Early College of Muskegon County
Early College Muskegon County (ECMC) is a program that allows selected students to extend high school by one year in order to earn both their diploma and up to 62 college credits from Muskegon Community College (MCC) at no cost to the student.
Students receive special support to help improve their academic performance as they complete both high school and college coursework and secure their future education and career related goals. While students must provide their own transportation to the MCC campus, all other college costs including registration and technology fees, textbooks, and materials needed to complete the courses of study are covered.
Students can apply for Early College during their 10th grade year. Applications are available in the high school counselor’s office or by clicking on the link below. Students must have at least a 2.5 GPA, and be on track to graduate high school. Students should see their high school guidance counselor for additional requirements set by their home-based district.
Benefits
- Earn substantial credits up to an associate degree by extending high school graduation by one year
- Students receive support services throughout their Early College experience
- Enjoy high school activities as well as high school extracurricular activities
- Enjoy college intramural teams and club sports as well as other college educational activities
- Eligible to play college sports during the 13th year
- Tutoring services and libraries available at both the high school and college
- Complete your diploma and up to 62 credits
Contact:
Selection Process
Phase I: Applications
- MCC Application
- ECMC Application
Phase II: Interviews
- Interview with the Student’s Family
- Interview with the Student
- Interview with the Student’s Family
- Interview with the Student
10th GRADE
- Contact a high school counselor and request an application
- Accepted students will attend a two- day orientation program held at the Muskegon campus
11th GRADE
- Begin program with half day at high school and complete 13 college hours
- Attend half day at high school and complete 12-15 college credits
- Attend College Success Seminars
- Dean and Mentor will be available for individual needs
12th GRADE
- Attend two hours at high school
- Complete up to 22 college credits
- Dean and Mentor will be available for individual needs
- Attend College Success Seminars
13th GRADE
- Complete a minimum of 24 college credits by maintaining at least 12 credits per semester
- Enroll at least one math or math related class
- Enroll in at least one course that earns high school credit during each semester
- Dean and Mentor will be available for individual needs
For more information, interested high school students should contact their high school counselors.
Early College of Newaygo County
Early College Newaygo County (ECNC) is a program that allows selected students to extend high school by one year in order to earn both their diploma and up to 62 college credits from Muskegon Community College (MCC) at no cost to the student.
Students receive special support to help improve their academic performance as they complete both high school and college coursework and secure their future education and career-related goals. College costs including registration and technology fees, textbooks, and materials needed to complete the courses of study are covered. Transportation to various MCC sites are the student’s responsibility, however if bus transportation is available from the school during grades 11 and 12 they may be used by the student.
Benefits
- Degree earned by extending high school graduation by one year
- Students receive support services throughout their Early College experience
- Enjoy high school activities as well as high school extracurricular activities
- Enjoy college intramural teams and club sports as well as other college educational activities
- Free tutoring services available at college
- Complete your diploma and FREE college degree
Contact:
Phone: (231) 924-8857
Email: msmiller@ncresa.org
Selection Process
Phase I: Applications
- MCC Application
- ECNC Application
- Letters of recommendation4.
- Essay
- Complete MCC Ready to Succeed assessment
Phase II: Interviews
- Interview with the Student’s Family
- Interview with the Student
- Interview with the Student’s Family
- Interview with the Student
10th Grade
Students apply during their 10th grade year. Accepted students will attend a 2-3 day orientation program at the Newaygo County RESA campus.
11th Grade
- Begin program with half day at high school and complete up to 12-15 credits (including summer)
- Attend College Success Seminar
- Receive support services by attending meetings at one of the MCC Newaygo satellite sites
- Dean and Mentor will be available for individual needs
- Complete up to three college hours in the summer or may elect to take between grades 12 and 13
12th Grade
- Attend high school at least two hours
- Complete 22 college hours
- Receive support services by attending meetings at the NC RESA Fremont campus
- Dean and Mentor will be available for individual needs
- Complete three college hours in the summer if not completed in summer before grade 12
13th Grade
- Complete at a minimum 24 college credits by maintaining at least 12 credits each semester
- Enroll in at least one math or math-related class, depending on local school district policy
- Enroll in at least one course that earns high school credit during each semester
- Dean and Mentor will be available for individual needs
For more information, interested high school students should contact their high school counselors.
Early College Ottawa County
Early College Ottawa County is a program that allows selected students to extend high school by one year in order to earn both their diploma and up to 62 college credits from Muskegon Community College (MCC) at no cost to the student.
Students receive special support to help improve their academic performance as they complete both high school and college coursework and secure their future education and career related goals. College costs including registration and technology fees, textbooks, and materials needed to complete the courses of study are covered. Transportation to various MCC sites are the student’s responsibility, however if bus transportation is available from the school during grades 11 and 12 they may be used by the student.
Benefits
- Substantial credits earned by extending high school graduation by one year
- Students receive support services throughout their Early College experience
- Enjoy high school activities as well as high school extracurricular activities
- Enjoy college intramural teams and club sports as well as other college educational activities
- Tutoring services and libraries available at both the high school and college
- Complete your High School diploma and FREE college credits
Contact:
Phone: (616) 862-3220
Email: mbultema@oaisd.org
SElecTion Process
Phase I: Applications
- MCC Application
- Complete Accuplacer placement test
- NOCEC Application including Letters of recommendation, and Essay – please contact OAISD to obtain this
Phase II: Interviews
- Interview with the Student’s Family
- Interview with the Student
- Interview with the Student’s Family
- Interview with the Student
10th GRADE
Students apply during their 10th grade year. Each year a maximum of 50 tenth-grade students from the participating school districts, will be accepted into the program. Accepted students will attend a two day orientation program held at the Muskegon campus.
11th GRADE
- Begin program with half day at high school and complete 13 college hours
- Attend College Success Seminar
- Advisor will be available for individual needs
- Complete three college hours in the summer or may elect to take between grades 12 and 13
12th GRADE
- Attend high school at least two hours
- Complete 22 college hours
- Specialist will be available for individual needs
13th GRADE
- Complete 24 hours and a final high school requirement
- Dean/advisor will be available for individual needs
For more information, interested high school students should contact their high school counselors.
