Innovation ... Collaboration … and the best thing for the students. That earns Highland and Marion Technical College a “high five” for higher education!!

It’s no easy task when a high school collaborates with a local college to provide higher education to over 90 students from all grade levels, but Highland and MTC got the job done. Now, students are flourishing in the environment and getting some college credits under their belts before they even toss their caps on their high school graduation day.

Highland High School is a model for providing higher education to their students. With four different college options for students to choose from, if you are ready for college at Highland – college is ready for you! Principal Bill Dodds along with guidance counselor Katie Staiger have worked very hard to provide classes on Highland’s campus, as well as options for students to travel to the Marion Technical College campus. As a result, they are involved in a State pilot program called Seniors to Sophomores (one of only 46 groups statewide) where 15 seniors travel to MTC to take college courses. By the end of the year, these seniors will have earned enough credits to be considered college sophomores – WOW! That’s not all!! Sixteen students (sophomores through seniors) also travel to campus for a telecommunications program. This program has been known to graduate Highland students with an associate degree at the same time they graduate high school. Another WOW!

“It’s a great partnership! A win, win, win! A win for Highland, for Marion Technical College, and for the students – especially the students,” said Principal Dodds in regards to the college options at Highland.

Staiger has seen changes in the students because of these options, “Students are very challenged by the college courses. The bar has been raised for all students at Highland because of these opportunities. It’s competitive to get into these programs, and it has given middle-of-the-road students the confidence to tackle college.” Staiger adds, “The experience has been chaotic, but at the same time it has been fun and rewarding to see these programs grow.”

How have the parents handled all of these college choices? “Parents who had students coming to campus were a little concerned about travel and expectations, but MTC brought the parents in on the decision-making. They visited the Marion campus, which eased their minds and made them feel more comfortable,” Staiger comments. “It’s all about what is best for the kids,” she adds.

School social worker, Valerie Meier, also weighed in on the partnership, “This is an example of kids at a smaller school getting advantages that may not have been available to them at a bigger school. It also gives them the confidence to know that they are college material – regardless of their backgrounds.”

So you see, it can be done, it is being done, and the state authorities want it to be done!! Kudos to Highland for getting on board early, and providing more than just an education for their students – they are providing opportunities, too!

Learn about the college options at Marion Technical College while still in high school. Don’t miss the opportunity to get ahead while you can!