Bridging the Gap Between High School & College

What is an Early College? High School 5 year program Three year-accelerated program Grades 11-13, with at least one required course not completed until year 13 High School Courses plus College Courses College campus experience Earn High School diploma and up to 60 transferrable credits and/or an Associates Degree or recognized certificate

Alpena Early College Program Overview  Students are in a 5-year cohort for the high school  Partnership between Alpena High School and Alpena Community College  Student must commit by 11 th grade  On-Time graduation means earning a high school diploma, 60 transferrable credits or an E/MC technical certificate after the 5 th year

What is an E/MC Technical Certificate? Special Certificate that counts an Early College student as a “graduate” if they do not earn 60 credits or an Associate’s Degree 1. Completed the Michigan Merit Curriculum 2. Minimum of 15 College Credits 3. A GPA of 2.0 or higher 4. Complete 100 hours of community service or 40 hours of career exploration, job shadowing or a combo of both

Sample Student Schedule Earning about 42 credits

Why Are We Doing This?  Increase the number of AHS students enrolling in college The percentage of students who enroll in college right after high school in Michigan is 74% The percentage of students who enroll in college right after graduation from Alpena high school is 63%  Increase the number of students completing college with degrees or certificates

 Reduce the family financial burden Average cost of an Associates Degree at ACC In-District Tuition and fees Books Approximately = $13,080 Alpena Early College Cost to Student/Parents - $0

 Increase opportunities for our students Average annual salary for the most common jobs available to a Michigan high school graduate is $23,367 Average annual salary for a post-high school training certificate (i.e hairdresser or a welder) is $31,212 Average annual salary for a two-year associate degree in Michigan is $59,391  Provide a supportive setting for students to engage in early college experiences Regular meetings with students to help with college readiness Individualized help with student schedule planning

What Alpena Public Schools will provide: Tuition, books and fees for AEC Students Administrative and counseling support for students An Early College Specialist Support for post-secondary students/parents

What Alpena Community College will provide: Academic Advising Early College contact for AEC students when they are on campus In-District Tuition for All COMPASS testing Free tutoring services College Skills summer orientation (2 day)

Who is Eligible? Students entering the 11 th grade in the fall 2015 Must meet ACC enrollment guidelines Preparing for pathways compatible with Alpena Community College offerings Manufacturing Marketing/Business Systems Sciences (From Agri-science to Allied Health) Courses required in a college pathway not listed above (Ex. Teacher, musician)

Early College Students Need to be: Mature Motivated Self-disciplined Career-focused Self-reliant Adaptable College Culture Adult Atmosphere

Cohort Details- Students can participate in class of 2017… Prom Graduation Ceremony Senior Activities Sports ACC Student Activities

Do you want to be in….. Cohort #2 Graduate of Alpena Early College Class of 2018

NEXT STEPS Fill out an ALPENA EARLY COLLEGE application packet Fill out an Alpena Community College student application Follow all application directions and deadlines Take the COMPASS test at ACC on one of the scheduled dates: TBD in May 2015

About the COMPASS test It is important that you take your time and do your best on the COMPASS test While it is not a PASS/FAIL test, it is used to place students in classes at ACC Two parts- Reading and Math Sites to help you prepare

What our students are saying: "Students are more independent in their education. "College is more relaxed and flexible. You are more in control of what you do and your education.“ "It felt great when I found out I can pass a college entrance test and I can do college work" "I like having my college classes paid for and getting ahead" "This has made me prepared and ready for college, it gives me a jumpstart“ "Having a person who is involved in our lives and education really helps"

Timeline 2015  February 18 th Informational Meeting  March 13 th Applications Due  March/April Application Review/ Family Interviews  May 1 st Cohort #2 Announced  May 2015 Compass Test/Schedule Changes  August – Student/parent informational meeting  August – Student ACC  Classes begin! August 24 th 2015

Questions and Answers

Alpena Early College Specialist Mr. Lee Fitzpatrick Located in the Media Center at AHS in the AM Early College Oversight Joyce McCoy Alpena Public Schools/Central Office