∙ What is an Early College and what are the benefits?

An Early College program allows students an opportunity to earn an Associate’s degree or certificate along with their high school diploma. If they do not complete the degree or certificate, they still earn credits that can be transferred to another college or university. Students have an additional year of high school for program completion, and they have access to support services which enhance their success. Tuition and fees are paid by the local school district up to an allocated amount. Students are enrolled in a focused program of study.

∙ Why an Early College? Why should you consider it?

College costs continue to rise, and education beyond high school is more important than ever. Many careers require 1-2 years of post-secondary education, and the business community needs people who are skilled.

∙ Who is eligible to participate?

The program is available to students in the local public school districts until Fall of their junior year. Students may begin the application process during their Freshman and Sophomore years or until September 15 of their Junior year.

∙ What is the benefit of Early College over dual enrollment?

Students are immersed into the college environment. As high school students they are on campus and learn to take classes with adults and behave like adults in an adult learning environment. It helps students bridge the learning and social gaps between high school and college. Dual-enrolled students are limited to the number of college courses they may take as a high school student. Early College allows students to earn a certificate, an Associate’s degree, or up to 60 transferable credits.

∙ How is this beneficial to the community?

Our business partners have said that they want to develop talented, educated individuals who want to stay here in our community to live and work.

∙ Does my child have to attend orientation?

Yes. Orientation is a requirement of the LCEC program. Students participate in college & career readiness activities, gain a familiarity with JC’s services, organizations & staff, and obtain help with registration and scheduling.

∙ When will parents have an orientation?

Parent orientations are provided throughout the county at various districts. Parents are welcome to attend any meeting that fits their schedules.

∙ How do I know if my child is right for this program?

This is a decision made with the student, parents, and high school counselors. Consideration has to be given to each student in regard to college/career plans, attendance, disciplinary issues, maturity, and life circumstances. First generation college students, underrepresented students, and at-risk students certainly should be considered and encouraged to apply. This program is intended to individualize the college experience for each student. Any student who is interested should make an appointment with his/her counselor or the Early College Director to pursue options.

∙ What academic skill levels must students have to qualify to participate in LCEC?

The academic program at Lenawee County Early College can be fairly rigorous. This is determined by the student’s approach to his/her college courses as well as the career pathway that has been selected.

∙ What types of supports are in place for students?

The local districts and Jackson College have created a framework to provide students with academic support skills, college survival techniques, and resource staff. Students will attend College Success Camp where they will build relationships with Jackson College staff and peers from other districts who are also LCEC students, and learn how to be a college student. Staff employed by the districts and the college will meet with students to monitor academic progress, develop strategies, connect students with resources, and assist with transition from high school to college. It is very important students self-advocate if they need help.

∙ What are some of the expectations for my student?

Your student needs to attend class, complete work associated with the class, and communicate with you, his/her JC Navigator, and Amanda Koch, LCEC (Lenawee County Early College) Director. It is particularly important that your student communicate with instructors if he/she encounters difficulties.

∙ How can I support my student?

Have your student show you the syllabus for a course, demonstrate knowledge on how to check grades, log in to JetNet, and to his/her Jackson College email.

∙ What, ultimately, is the goal for students enrolled in Lenawee County Early College?

Depending upon the student, the possibilities include an Associate’s degree, a certification, or credits that can be transferred to another post-secondary educational institution.

∙ How many college credits can a student earn?

Students in this program may earn up to 60 college credits depending upon the program of study.

∙ Will students be participating in classes with other college students?

Yes.

∙ When will students have access to facilities like the library and the parking?

LCEC students will receive an ID card that will provide them access to the library and other services. Students do not need a permit for parking, but they are expected to park in student areas. ID cards are part of the orientation process.

∙ What is the application process?

A process has been developed to make sure each student is placed appropriately. Districts have been provided with documents and timelines for applying.

∙ When are applications due?

Students are required to complete pre-application materials first and submit them to their high school counselor. Then, they may complete the on-line LCEC application.

∙ Can home schooled or private school students apply?

Financial support for this program comes from the state student funding allowance. Because of this funding stream, this program is for public school students. Home schooled or private school students would have to enroll in their local district in order to apply.

∙ How is Lenawee County Early College being funded?

It is funded through the per pupil allowance provided by the state under the early college guidelines.

∙ Are there any minimum or maximum income requirements to apply?

No.

∙ What will be the cost for students/parents?

Depending upon the number of college courses a student enrolls in, there should be little to no cost. Parents will be required to sign a third-party billing agreement acknowledging that they may be responsible for costs that exceed the foundation allotment. Families should expect to incur some costs for their students to attend LCEC.

∙ Will students continue to get free and reduced lunch if they qualify?

Yes. Students must notify Amanda Koch, LCEC Director, if they are eligible.

∙ Is there a reimbursement requirement if my student fails a course? What counts as failing?

The Michigan Department of Education allows for reimbursement to districts should a student fail a college course. Students are expected to complete a course with a minimum of 2.0.

Families may also be billed for courses the student does not successfully complete. This is determined by individual districts.

∙ Can a school district deny a student from participating in LCEC if they did not receive credit for courses taken in a previous semester?

A student that does not receive college credit for a course under the Dual Enrollment legislation is required to repay the school district funds that were expended for the course that were not already refunded by the eligible postsecondary institution. If the student does not repay the funds as described in [MCL 388.514], the district may impose sanctions as determined by school policy. A student may take dual enrolled courses (including ones that were previously taken unsuccessfully) if the funds are repaid and if they still meet all other eligibility requirements.

∙ Can you provide a list of all the program options available to students?

Jackson College and the local district administrators have determined that all programs in our offered pathways are an option. A list of those are available at Academic Pathways - Jackson College.

∙ Where are the classes held?

Jackson College campuses. Some courses are hybrid (a combination of on-line and direct instruction) or on-line.

∙ Are there any attendance and behavior requirements once they enter Lenawee County Early College?

Yes, students are expected to follow the LCEC Guidelines provided at orientation, as well as their home district handbook and the Jackson College Student Handbook.

∙ What is the first day of class?

Students report to their high school classes according to their high school schedules. Normally, JC courses begin after Labor Day, so students may have gaps in their schedules until their college courses begin.

∙ How do the district and college calendars differ?

LCEC students are expected to follow both calendars, so it is important to be aware of conflicting dates for Spring Break, etc. When school is cancelled due to weather-related issues, students are still expected to attend their college classes if Jackson College has not cancelled.

∙ How can students and parents learn more about LCEC?

Informational meetings are held at various districts throughout the year. In addition, local schools include LCEC information in their announcements and on their websites. LCEC has a webpage — www.lisd.us/lcec

and a Facebook page — Lenawee County Early College. Amanda Koch, Early College Director, has regularly scheduled visits in each district to meet with students.

∙ Is transportation provided?

Some transportation may be available with the local district daily trips to the LISD TECH Center. Otherwise, parents must arrange student transportation.

∙ Please clarify: 13th year...does it require a math credit? Do you have to have a course at your home school?

The 13th year DOES require a math-related course, but it does not have to be scheduled at the home district. It is VERY important for students to work closely with their counselors to make sure they meet all of the Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements.

∙ Does the final year mathematics course need to be an actual mathematics course?

No. The law provides local districts with the flexibility to determine what counts for the final year mathematics credit, including the content and duration. It does not need to be aligned with the mathematics standards because those are covered in the other math credits.

The credit could be in a basic or an applied math area, such as Business Math, Accounting, Pre algebra, etc. The course could also be an advanced mathematics course such as Pre-calculus, or college-level courses through dual enrollment or early middle college programs.

Non-mathematics courses or experiences where students apply mathematics can also count as the final year mathematics course such as computer programming, science or art courses; Career and Technical Education (CTE), work study program, or practicum where the students are using the mathematics they have already learned.

∙ What types of classes will students be taking as a high school/college student?

Coursework will include required courses to complete the Michigan Merit Curriculum expected outcomes, as well as college courses in the career pathway selected by the student.

∙ When will my student get his/her diploma?

Students receive their high school diplomas when they exit the Early College program. The high school diploma’s date will be the year the student exits the program. Students who intend to complete the program through the 13th year may still participate in all of the senior year activities, including participation in commencement.

∙ Where can I get more information?

Contact your local High School Counseling Office. They can provide you additional information and resources. Or visit www.lisd.us/lcec or Facebook — Lenawee County Early College.

∙ Can credits be transferred to a 4-year university?

Students will need to work closely with the JC Navigator to ensure they are in a program that will be able to transfer to other universities. It is extremely important that a student works closely with his/her navigator to ensure that all credits transfer.

∙ Can students participate in extra-curricular college activities?

For sports activities, students cannot play NJCCA athletics until their 13th year. Students will be eligible for clubs and organizations.

∙ Can students still participate in high school sports?

Yes – through their senior year. Students are not eligible for high school sports during the 13th year.

∙ Are students required to purchase a laptop?

Students may need a device like a laptop or a Chromebook. Some districts are providing technology for student use. Students may also have access to technology in their home district, and as LCEC students, they may use computers on JC’s campus.

∙ What happens if a TIP-eligible student fails a college class while in LCEC?

Failing a college course while enrolled in Lenawee County Early College DOES NOT jeopardize a student’s opportunity to access TIP funds.

FAQs