What are the benefits?
Early/Middle College programs offer numerous benefits to students. Most notably saving students both time and money. The national average to attend a 4-year public college is more than $28,000/year. By starting college while in high school, participants could cut college costs in half.
The EMC program can help students gain a better understanding of what college-level coursework is like and prepare them for the transition to 4-year colleges. These programs also allow students to explore potential career paths and gain valuable experience in their chosen fields.
Lake Michigan College (LMC) and Southwestern Michigan College (SMC) participate in the state-wide Michigan Transfer Agreement and have individual transfer agreements with universities throughout Michigan and Indiana.
Students will have access to academic support services through their high school, the Early/Middle College Program Consultant and college support service offices.
In a nutshell, what is the commitment?
Students who elect to enroll in the Berrien County Early/Middle College commit to:
- Attend a mandatory College Success Bootcamp the summer between their 10th & 11th grade
- Successfully complete college coursework in their junior and senior years of high school and attend one additional year of high school (in order to complete both your high school and college degree/certificate requirements).
- Extend their high school graduation date by one school year. Students will, however, participate in commencement with their original graduating class.
- Students will graduate from high school with a high school diploma and significant college credits, a career certificate, an associate degree or a MEMCA Certificate.
Is transportation provided to/from class?
Due to the different classes and class times offered within the program, transportation is the responsibility of the student.
What is the AccuPlacer Test?
The AccuPlacer is a placement test to meet Reading, Writing, and Math prerequisites for the college. More information can be found at Lake Michigan College Placement Services or Southwestern Michigan College Placement Testing. You will test at the college you plan on attending while in the Early/Middle College Program.
Which AccuPlacer tests do students take?
All portions of the AccuPlacer test (English, Reading and Math) are required.
How many students are accepted into the program?There is no specific limit to the number of students who can be accepted. However, the final decision on students permitted to participate is made by the local school districts.
How does the Early/Middle College program align with Career & Technical Education (CTE)?
Students may still take CTE courses based on their program of study. In many cases, students participating in CTE are on track to earn a certificate or associate degree, complementing the Early/Middle College Program. (Course requirements may vary.)
Do students need to maintain a certain GPA?
Students must be on track for graduation. Once enrolled in college-level courses, students must maintain a college GPA of 2.0 or better in all classes.
My child attends a New Tech Program and has a unique daily schedule. Can they still participate?
Students in New Tech programs are encouraged to participate in the Early/Middle College Program. Courses are scheduled according to their high school’s daily schedule.
When can/should students apply for post-secondary and other community scholarships?
Most college and local scholarships can be applied for during the students' 5th year. Questions relative to scholarships should be directed to the individual awarding committees.
Where are classes located?
Depending on the program of study, students will attend classes at either their high school, at another district high school or at Lake Michigan College or Southwestern College.
Can students take summer classes?
The Early/Middle College Program is designed to be completed over three years with summers off. Students are welcome to take elective courses during the summer months at their own expense. In order to receive both their high school diploma and certificate/degree, students are expected to complete the EMC program over the course of three years (their high school junior, senior and 5th years).
Will students still be able to participate in high school activities during their 5th year of high school?
Students can participate in their graduation exercises at the end of their senior year. They may still participate in traditional high school groups such as clubs, band, choir and arts activities. They may also be members of high school sports teams through grade 12 (but are not eligible to participate in college-level sports until after they have completed their 5th year). Students can participate in college clubs and student activities.
Are students still required to take a math class during their 5th year of high school?
Students must take a math or math-related course during their 5th year of the program to comply with Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements (in order to receive their high school diploma).
Will students have earned all of the required high school credits by the end of their Senior year?
From the Michigan Department of Education: "It is understood that State School Aid Section 5(4)m requires that students must not be otherwise eligible for high school graduation to participate in a fifth year of high school and that Section 3(f) of Postsecondary Enrollment Options Act and Section 3(g) of the Career and Technical Preparation Act require that students be enrolled in at least one(1) high school course required for graduation and take a high school or dual enrollment math or math-related course".
How will credits earned through the program transfer to other institutions?
It is important for students to have discussions with academic advisors at the institution where they intend to transfer credits to ensure maximum transferability.
Where does the students' diploma come from?
While students participate in commencement ceremonies their senior year, they will receive their diploma from their high school at the end of their 5th year.
This sounds challenging. Will students receive help?
Absolutely! Support systems like the Summer College Success Bootcamp, Early/Middle College monthly cohort meetings and mentors, plus all the regular advising, tutoring, and library services from your high school, LMC and SMC are all in place to help students be successful.
