Recognizing a need to broaden opportunities for high school students who wish to earn college credits while still in high school, the Berrien Regional Education Service Agency (at that time, the Berrien ISD) developed a program of dual and concurrent enrollment for the districts in 1999.  The Early College (EC) Program began with 223 students enrolled in the fall of 1999 at Lake Michigan College.

Purpose

The purpose of this program is to increase the number of students who go on to college after high school by providing a college experience which enriches their high school curriculum. The program connects career pathways and Tech Prep activities that assist students in the transition from secondary to post-secondary education.  

In Berrien County, early college classes are offered through Lake Michigan College and Southwestern Michigan College, at the discretion of the high school and/or course instructor.

Early College at Lake Michigan College

Today, Lake Michigan College (LMC) is recognized state-wide as a leader in providing college courses through direct credit to high school students. Since 1999, EC enrollment has increased nearly sevenfold and credit hours have more than doubled.  In fall 2008, EC enrollment accounted for 19.2% of LMC’s total student headcount.  Approximately 60% of EC students are enrolled in direct credit courses and 40% in traditional dual enrollment courses.

Early College offers classes for high school students in a variety of formats including direct credit, traditional on-campus dual enrollment and distance learning. Direct credit courses are courses in which students take college courses that are taught in their high school by high school teachers who have been approved and credentialed by LMC, as adjunct faculty. Many of these high school adjunct instructors also teach as adjunct faculty at one of the LMC campuses. All of the courses taught through EC are existing LMC courses and are not unique to EC. Approved high school instructors are provided with a copy of the course syllabus and expected course outcomes and objectives to use in their high school classes.

LMC currently provides 70% tuition and fee waiver to high school students who take a college class through the direct credit model.  The 30% cost of tuition and fees is paid for by either the student/parent or the high school.  This model does not fall under the State’s Dual Enrollment Legislation which requires the schools to pay for the cost of tuition and fees.

For additional information, visit: Lake Michigan College/Early College  or contact DeeDee Stakley, Director of Early College.

Early College at Southwestern Michigan College

High school students can also earn college credit through Southwestern Michigan College’s Early College Program.

For additional information, visit  Southwestern Michigan College/Early College or contact Melissa Clanton, Coordinator of Early College.