Allegan County students will have an
opportunity never seen in this area with a new partnership and program announced with Lake Michigan College and the Allegan Area Educational Service Agency.
Through Early College/Allegan County (ECAC), students can graduate high school with an associate’s degree, at no cost to them or their parents. This program is for students in the AAESA school districts and is scheduled to begin this fall with approximately 50 students.
“We are thrilled to announce this partnership that will expand our population of students that can make college education a reality,” says Mark Dobias, AAESA Superintendent. “A free college degree was not something available to our students until now.”
“Lake Michigan College currently provides early college services in 52 area school districts,” said LMC President Dr. Robert Harrison, “We’ve had a lot of success so far and we’re expanding and improving the program each year. We’re excited to extend this exceptional opportunity to students and families in Allegan County.”
ECAC extends high school by one year allowing students to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree, or LMC credits that can be transferred to a four-year university, at no cost to the student.
Here are some key details:
· All ECAC students will attend college classes at the Tech Center in Allegan.
· Students can choose between an associate of arts degree and an associate’s of applied sciences in business degree.
· ECAC is a three-year plan where students take a mix of high school courses and college courses each year of 11th, 12th and 13th year. (see further details in brochure)
· Students will not pay for classes, books or transportation to the Tech Center for college courses.
· ECAC students can participate in high school sports and extra-curricular activities during 11th and 12th grade as course schedules permit; and can participate in college intramural sports teams and clubs during the 13th year as course schedules permit.
· Students will receive guidance from an administrator or advisor for individual needs throughout the three years
ECAC is geared to the population of students with college potential, but might face obstacles in college becoming a reality. These are motivated students on track for graduation. ECAC students must apply; selection is based on GPA and test scores and recommendations. Each student and his/her family will also be interviewed by the ECAC Advisory Team.
Students must apply during their 10th grade year. Each year, 50 students from across the Allegan Area ESA will be accepted into the program. Those 50 slots will be split among the AAESA’s seven districts – Allegan, Fennville, Hopkins, Martin, Otsego, Plainwell and Wayland.
“The Early College program is a terrific opportunity for some of our students to further their education by taking advantage of this post-secondary option for an associate’s degree,” said Norman Taylor, Superintendent of Wayland Union Schools. “We look forward to our partnership with Lake Michigan College.”
Districts will receive per pupil funding from the state for these students all three years. These funds will pay for the student’s courses and materials. Districts are holding parent and student meetings to further explain this new program in the coming weeks and to get the application process started. Students can obtain more information at their high school guidance offices.
For more information, go online to the ECAC link: www.alleganaesa.org/ecac
For more information about LMC Early College Services, visit www.lakemichigancollege.edu/earlycollege
