Early College Open House takes place on Feb. 6

Parents interested in saving money and getting their children a jump start on a college education are encouraged to attend next month’s Early College Open House at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo. The event, February 6 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., is free and open to all students in grades 8-11 and their parents.

Attendees will have the opportunity to visit with teachers and students to learn more about Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Early College program, including steps for participation.

The Early College program allows students to earn an associate degree or certificate for little or no cost by completing a fifth year of high school. Students delay high school graduation for one year while they take college courses at Kalamazoo Valley. Tuition and fees are paid by the local school district up to the state maximum allowed. Applications to the Early College program for the 2018-2019 school year are due by March 10, 2018.

“Early College is a great opportunity – academically and economically – for students and parents in southwest Michigan,” according to Kalamazoo Valley’s Dean of Instruction – Early College Dr. Deborah Coates.

Early College expands on traditional dual enrollment and builds upon classes already offered through Kalamazoo RESA’s (KRESA) Education for Employment (EFE) and Education for the Arts (EFA). Students take courses at Kalamazoo Valley campuses, but may also take Kalamazoo Valley courses at their high school (in certain school districts), or through EFE and EFA.

The program, explained Coates, is designed to help students get a head start on whatever they decide to do after graduating from high school, whether that’s going into the workforce or continuing on with their education.

“Education is evolving and this is part of it. Early College prepares students for the world and makes sure they have as many options as possible,” Coates said. “Students considering Early College should be willing, motivated, and up for the challenge to perform successfully at the college level.”

In addition to the college coursework, students must successfully complete all of the requirements of the Michigan Merit Curriculum. Four hundred and twenty five students from the Gull Lake, Kalamazoo, Galesburg-Augusta, Parchment, Schoolcraft, Vicksburg, Climax-Scotts and Portage school districts are currently enrolled in the Early College program at Kalamazoo Valley - an increase of 175 students from last year. Additionally, the Van Buren Technology Center has 17 students poised to graduate in May with up to an associate degree from Kalamazoo Valley and their high school diploma.

“The number of Early College students has steadily increased since the program was launched four years ago,” Coates said. “We started with just 15 students. I’m hoping that we add another 200 students for the upcoming school year and bring our enrollment to well over 600 students. There is real potential for growth.”

To assist the growing number of Early College students, Kalamazoo Valley created an Early College team comprised of Coates, Pathway Advisor Kevin Lavender and Academic Counselors Natalie York and Nina Dickerson. “Together, our team can provide a more seamless access to student services,” Coates said. “It helps keep students on the path to success.”

Students have access to all of the support services that are available at Kalamazoo Valley, including academic counseling, tutoring, career counseling, life resources and employment services.

Students are required to meet with their pathway advisor or academic counselor each semester to discuss any concerns and upcoming semester classes. During the 10th and 11th grade, the meetings take place in the high school. As the student gets further into the program, the meeting location shifts to Kalamazoo Valley’s campus.

Additionally, the local school districts have designated Early College contacts and KRESA provides Early College mentors to students within the program. Students meet with their mentor bi-weekly to ensure students stay on track – reviewing grades and coursework as well as working with students on time management, study skills and note-taking strategies.

And since college isn’t all about studying, Fifth Year First Friday events were introduced this year to encourage Early College student socialization on campus.

For more information, visit www.kvcc.edu/earlycollege or contact Coates at dcoates@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4509.

PHOTO: Early College student Mia May