St. Joseph County Early Middle College. What is it and is it for me?

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1 St. Joseph County Early Middle College What is it and is it for me?

2 What is St. Joseph County Early Middle College? The St. Joseph County Early Middle College (EMC) Program is a five-year combined high school and community college program at Glen Oaks Community College. It is a partnership between all St. Joseph County high schools, the St. Joseph County ISD, and Glen Oaks Community College. EMC allows a high school student to earn a high school diploma and substantial college credit - without paying tuition - through an additional fifth year of high school.

3 Why Early Middle College? All districts in St. Joseph County are dedicated to providing students the academic and social support to live a successful and happy adult life. Most successful and happy adults have a job they enjoy and the skills and certification necessary to perform and advance in their chosen career. More and more jobs that pay well enough to support family life require education beyond a high school diploma.

4 College gets more expensive every year. Early Middle College is a time and money saving alternative. It can reduce the number of years spent in college as well as out of pocket expenses. Students with Early Middle College credits will pay much less in tuition costs and will earn a degree or certificate with little or no personal or family debt.

5 Are high school students mature enough for college classes? Starting their freshman year, our high schools are working to help students become career and college ready. Students have the opportunity to create and revise their EDP (Educational Development Plan) throughout their high school years. This includes: Career Awareness and Exploration Mentoring and Academic Support Goal setting and a focus on the future they want to create A one step at a time approach The ability to see the big picture

6 How Does Early Middle College Work? Early Middle College students attend an additional year (13 th grade) to complete both high school AND college program requirements simultaneously. Students create the 13 th year by holding back on one required class, usually the 4 th math credit, until that year. Since they are still classified as high school students, the school district pays all tuition and fees for the Glen Oaks classes using State Aid dollars.

7 When Do Students Officially Become Part Of The Early Middle College? Students need to apply at their high school and be accepted to the Early Middle College by the beginning of their junior year. Upon acceptance, the student s official graduation year will be changed to one year out, after their 13 th year. This change is made with the State of Michigan Department of Education data base, allowing education funding for the student to continue, which is used to pay their college tuition and fees.

8 Who Is Eligible To Apply To The Early Middle College? All students attending a St. Joseph County high school in grades 9 11 are eligible to apply. As part of the application process, students must have college ready scores on the SAT, ACT or COMPASS Test for most programs in order to earn transferable college credits. If a student has not taken the SAT or ACT yet, the COMPASS Test is available online at Glen Oaks and in area high schools. It may be taken more than once if needed to increase scores.

9 How Will The Early Middle College Help Students Be Successful? Students will work with counselors and mentors at both their local high school and Glen Oaks Community College to ensure they have the academic and social support they need to succeed. Students will meet regularly with counselors and mentors to review coursework and see how things are going before problems occur. College classes will increase gradually as the student completes high school pre-requisites and is ready to make the transition.

10 What If A Student Begins To Struggle? All of our high schools have a seminar class and mentoring designed to help students with academic and social skills. Glen Oaks has classes designed to help students be successful at college. They also have the Tutoring and Testing Center where all GOCC students, including Early Middle College students, can go for tutoring and academic support. Statistics show that high school students attending classes on a college campus tend to rise to the occasion. They are studying subjects that will help them reach their career goals, appreciate the freedom a college campus gives them, and enjoy the respect they have earned from their families and peers.

11 My High School Has Dual Enrollment. How Is This Different? In traditional dual enrollment programs, students are eligible to complete only up to ten courses for college credit while enrolled in high school. These courses may count towards a certificate or degree program at Glen Oaks or may be transferred to another college or university. Classes are taught at the local high school or on a college campus. Classes are usually not part of a planned degree-granting program. Many students will take dual enrollment classes prior to enrolling in the Early Middle College.

12 Beyond Dual Enrollment Early Middle College students have a structured 5- year plan leading to a license, certificate or associate s degree. Students have no limit on the number of college classes they can take in the 5 years. Students have academic support, social support and mentoring designed just for them. Most, if not all of their college classes will be on the Glen Oaks campus.

13 Frequently Asked Questions Can a student still walk at graduation? Yes, a student can still participate in graduation activities with their original class if they want to. They just will not receive their diploma at that time. Will a student get a diploma from their local high school? Yes, after the completion of their 13 th year. Can a student participate in a Glen Oaks graduation ceremony? Of course! A student must complete a program of study to be eligible to graduate from Glen Oaks Community College in addition to the Early Middle College.

14 More FAQ s Are there only certain degrees or programs available to EMC students? Any program a student creates with their high school counselor and a Glen Oaks or EMC advisor can be a part of the Early Middle College. Depending on their ability and goals, students can complete any degree or program offered by Glen Oaks. In order to graduate from both high school and the Early Middle College, students must complete a minimum of 15 college credits. Can an EMC student participate in CTE programs? Yes! In fact many 5-year plans contain multiple CTE classes. Are sample 5-year plans available? Yes. Your high school guidance office has sample plans on paper and online.

15 More FAQ s What if a student is not sure what he/she wants to study? The Early Middle College is a great way to begin college classes without leaving home or paying tuition. It provides academic support and a great deal of career guidance. It also provides an additional year to make some of those important decisions about careers, college and general life. As long as a student completes the last high school credit and at least 15 college credits, they will be considered an on-time graduate and be ready to move on. What if a student is sure what he/she wants to study? The Early Middle College is a great way to get a jump start on what a student wants to accomplish!

16 More FAQ s What if a student changes his/her mind and wants to graduate with their original class? As long as the student has time to complete the required classes by the original graduation year, they may revert their graduation date to the original time frame. Will EMC credits transfer to another college? As long as the student has earned a transferable grade in the class, all EMC credits will transfer to another community or 4-year college. A student who is planning a transfer should create an articulation agreement with the future school that guarantees a seamless transfer. These agreements can be designed with a Glen Oaks advisor.

17 More FAQ s Is Early Middle College for everyone? Depending on a student s academic, financial, athletic or other goals, the Early Middle College may not be the best option. Most scholarships are not available to students until they graduate from high school, and these can sometimes provide more benefits to the student than the EMC can. In addition, those students interested in participating in sports, music or the arts at the collegiate level will probably not benefit from that 13 th year. What expenses are covered in the EMC? All tuition and fees associated with any class taken are covered. At this time, textbooks, meals on campus and transportation are not covered.

18 More FAQ s Can AP, dual enrollment and CTE credits be used for Early Middle College? Yes, all credits earned through AP testing, dual enrollment classes and the CTE program are incorporated into Early Middle College 5-year plans. Most students graduating from the EMC will have a combination of all of these types of credits. When will a student actually be on the Glen Oaks campus? Most EMC students will be on the Glen Oaks campus full time during the 13 th year, but many will start attending classes at Glen Oaks by their junior year. They will go back and forth between Glen Oaks and their high school as needed.

19 Now What? More information about the St. Joseph County Early Middle College is available from all local high school guidance offices, Glen Oaks Community College, and at the St. Joseph County ISD. Brochures and information regarding the program are throughout the County and available online as well.

20 St. Joseph County Early Middle College! The Time Is Now!