Early College Academy helps SJSD students earn college credit
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- High school students in the St. Joseph School District got a taste of college life during the Early College Academy orientation at Missouri Western State University.
Students toured the campus, checked out classrooms and even picked up their photo IDs — all part of getting started with the program.
The Early College Academy gives juniors and seniors the chance to take dual credit courses, earning college credit while still in high school. Classes are available online, in school or in person at MoWest.
“They can take them on their computers at school, and they can also take a shuttle out to Missouri Western that we use twice a day to take those classes as well,” said Brent Corey, a librarian at Lafayette High School.
Corey said the program is all about giving students a head start with the introduction to MoWest. Some classes have as few as three students, making the experience even more personal.
“A lot of English courses, high-level math courses and science and communication courses, is what students generally take in the program,” Corey said.
For students like senior Emily Dulcan, the program is already paying off. She’s enrolled in history, biology and communication.
“I am taking communication because to work on my speaking in front of people, and it just makes me more comfortable. I also have labs for biology, but I can just do that in the library here,” Dulcan said.
Dulcan expressed that the program not only saves money on tuition but also helps her prepare for her future career in the professional world.
“I want to be a biology teacher and so making sure that I speak to the kids confidently will help them out and will help me with my career,” Dulcan said.
According to Dulcan, the program has been helpful because it assists students, especially those taking rigorous courses like nursing, when they get into the field.
The program is open to juniors and seniors at all SJSD high schools, giving them the chance to knock out general education courses before officially stepping onto a college campus.
