Tag: Early College Programs

First Early College Academy Class Graduates from ECC. . . Before Graduating High School

June 3, 2022 | Campus News

Collegebound students typically receive their high school diploma two to four, sometimes more, years before they walk across the commencement stage with a college degree.

But the last two years for 10 Union High School graduates has been anything but typical.

These students — the first class of East Central College’s Early College Academy (ECA) — graduated from the College almost two weeks before graduating from UHS.

Technically, their college degree is tethered to their high school diploma, but these 10 graduates, seven girls and three boys, attended the ECC commencement ceremony May 14 and the UHS graduation was May 26.

The misaligned milestones celebrate the grads successfully completing the ECA while earning 60 college credit hours, two diplomas and giving them a unique story to tell.

The first cohort of the ECA began with UHS juniors in 2020. This May was the culmination of that two-year experience.

“The first ECA class has graduated!” exclaimed Megen Strubberg, director of early college programs at ECC, who has overseen the program since Day 1.

ECA students attended classes at UHS and on the ECC campus with the goal of earning an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree, at the same time as, or before in this case, their high school diploma.

According to Strubberg, not only was the program successful in its goal of graduating the students, the 10 grads excelled at ECC and UHS.

“It was so fulfilling watching these students learn and excel at college life — both academically and personally,” she said. “Their hard work was reflected in their grades and their reputation for being active, present and involved on campus.”

Three students maintained a 4.0 college GPA at ECC, she said, and three of them were named to UHS’s Top 10 List of Graduates.

Collegebound

ECA students are transferring to a variety of four-year schools, including the University of Missouri-Columbia, Missouri State University, University of Concordia in Wisconsin, Lindenwood University, Southeast Missouri State, Central Methodist University at ECC, Truman State University, and University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

Strubberg noted that several of the ECA grads were awarded external scholarships, in addition to the scholarships from their destination school.

“Six of the 10 graduates shared their transfer institution award letters with us,” she added, “and those institutional scholarships totaled over $80,000.”

Strubberg further added that the Academy grads will pursue a wide range of fields, such as psychology, interior design, molecular biology and biochemistry, cinema arts, business, actuarial science, physical therapy, computer science, and nutrition & exercise physiology.

Growing Program

UHS piloted the ECA alone for the first year, but in the Fall 2021 semester, three other high schools — Washington, St. Clair and Sullivan — joined UHS juniors to make the second class of the ECA. There are 35 ECA students slated to graduate in May 2023.

Strubberg and her department learned several lessons since the program’s inception.

“The most important thing is that students must enter the program willing and ready to grow – both academically and personally,” she said.

“They may be challenged in ways they have never encountered before, which includes an increased demand on their ability to manage time, stress, and intellectual growth,” Strubberg added. “We have embedded these lessons in our revised information sessions, onboarding, and support throughout their time at ECC.”

Just like other first-term ECC students, the Academy students take a Falcon Seminar course, but the high schoolers have, “more frequent contact with supporters along the way,” she said.

According to Strubberg, it takes a special type of student to participate in the Early College Academy.

“Every successful graduate of this program will face a challenge — or even a few,” she said. “These could be academic challenges or feeling overwhelmed by it all.

“One of the most valuable takeaways that students can learn is really a life skill more than an academic skill,” Strubberg added. “It is the importance of being a self-advocate and reaching out to resources and supporters early and often.”

For some, a significant challenge is entering the ECA at the top of their academic class in high school, but then hitting bumps in the road.

“They may get their first C, D, or even F on an assignment, which can be devastating in the moment,” Strubberg commented. “A student’s level of resilience, ability to learn and lean on supporters to push through that experience, course correct, and reengage in the course is what creates a successful ECA graduate.”

Anyone with questions can call 636-584-6723 or email Megen.Strubberg@eastcentral.edu.

For more information, visit www.eastcentral.edu/earlycollege/academy/.

Enrollment for Free Summer Course Under Way

May 3, 2021 | Campus News

East Central College is once again offering a free summer class to soon-to-be high school juniors and seniors, but under a new name.

The First Class Tuition Pass, formerly known as Three for Free, is available to the Class of 2022 and the Class of 2023, and it allows for students to take one summer tuition-free course.

This is the third year that ECC is offering a free course to high school students, according to Early College Programs Director Megen Strubberg.

“The college is excited to offer this opportunity again because it allows high school students the chance to get a jump start on their college coursework,” she said. “Affordability is an important consideration for all students and families evaluating college choices, and the ability to take a course for just the cost of fees and books is a real benefit.”

Strubberg added that she hopes the program is as well received this year as it was last year.

There were 122 students participating last year, a 22 percent increase from the 100 students who took part in 2019, the inaugural year of the program.

“The success of this program is due in a large part to our area high school counselors encouraging students to take advantage of the opportunity,” Strubberg added. “The parents of high school and homeschool students also have been hearing about the program, which has contributed significantly to its success.”

The program is for students who have a 3.0 cumulative high school grade point average or higher. Students must sign up before classes begin Tuesday, June 1.

The First Class Tuition Pass program provides students with a chance to take one tuition-free summer course, up to five credit hours.

Students are only responsible for fees and textbooks. The program is available in Union, Rolla and online. For in-person classes, students can expect to pay between $10 to $30 in fees per course. Online course fees are $45. Text book costs are in addition to course fees.

Strubberg noted that the intent of the program is to encourage students to continue taking dual credit classes during the summer. The program is part of an ECC strategic plan goal to increase opportunities for college credit for students in the community.

Dual Enrollment Student Gets Ahead and Finds a Passion

March 10, 2021 | Campus News

While many other 15-year-old freshmen were studying high school courses, Claire Grace Smith, Rolla, was embarking on her college career at East Central College.

Smith, 17, is being homeschooled in high school curriculum and taking part in ECC’s dual enrollment program.

Smith is a high school junior and she will have 41 college credits at the end of this spring semester.

She looked at dual enrollment programs at several public and private schools but ultimately felt most comfortable at ECC.

“I when I came to ECC I was able to walk around and see the environment. It was really positive and looked like a place I would enjoy coming to,” Smith explained.

She said enrolling in the dual enrollment process was easy thanks to ECC Rolla’s staff. Smith’s advisor and the Rolla front desk employees helped her pick out classes that had smaller head counts to ease her into taking college courses.

“My advisor and the people who work the front desk were incredibly helpful. They helped me pick out classes that would be a good fit for me, coming from my homeschool experience,” said Smith.

Understandably, Smith felt some apprehension beginning college courses as a homeschooled high school student. The help and instruction she received at ECC Rolla quickly dissipated any nerves she had.

“I thought transitioning from home-school to college courses would be really hard and that other students would judge me because I started when I was 15,” she said. “I only had movies to get my information from since I had never been to a school before. But it wasn’t scary at all.

“I love the positive environment for learning. Here at East Central they are very understanding and kind.”

Smith expressed excitement when talking about her career path. She entered the dual enrollment program interested in history but has since decided she wants to teach English. Her experience at ECC has made her want to teach at a college just like it.

“My dream job would be an English professor. I would love to teach at a college like this and have passionate students,” she added.

A passionate student herself, Smith is excelling at ECC. Dr. Greg Stratman is one of her English teachers who was pivotal in her sudden interest in literature and the career it could bring her in the future. Stratman has nothing but praise for Smith’s dedication in the classroom.

“Claire’s insights in literary analysis were always astute and well thought, and often quite intriguing in their approach to the works we read,” Stratman explained.

“Whether in writing or during classroom presentations, she was consistently well prepared, creative, and articulate,” he added.

“It is gratifying these days to have a student take such sincere interest in reading and challenging herself to expand her perspectives.”

For more information on dual enrollment, visit www.eastcentral.edu/earlycollege/ or contact earlycollege@eastcentral.edu.

Early College Programs See Growth in 2019

September 30, 2019 | Campus News

It’s been a year of growth for the East Central College Early College Program. Compared to September of last year, student headcount has increased nearly 23 percent!

“We’re seeing substantial gains in Union, Washington, Owensville, St. Francis Borgia and Cuba,” said Megen Strubberg, Director of Early College Programs. “We also recently partnered with Nichols Career Center in Jefferson City in culinary arts, which is a first.”

More than 540 students are taking advantage of earning college credit in high school in 2019.

“Dual credit is a great way to immerse yourself in the college course in a high school environment,” said Jake McNiel, Washington High School junior. “I previously took college algebra over the summer my sophomore year through the Three for Free program. It was and still is a very good experience for me.”

“We have worked very hard to communicate the benefits of early college programs, including dual credit and dual enrollment classes,” said Strubberg,” especially with regard to Missouri’s CORE 42 initiative, which guarantees credit transfer for general education courses at all public higher education institutions in the state.”

Developing an early college program is part of East Central College’s new strategic plan, SOAR to 2024.

“Our goal is to increase the headcount of our early college students to 660 by 2024,” said Heath Martin, Vice President of Student Development. “We are almost halfway to that goal in the first year, which is very exciting.”

Working and communicating with high schools is key to growing the program.

“Our long-term goal is to work with local districts to create a true Early College Program, which will allow students to graduate high school with a post-secondary credential, up to an associate’s degree,” said Strubberg.

Additionally, East Central College is making it easier financially for high school students to get college credit.

“We will offer the Three for Free program again in 2020, which allows students to take one course tuition free over the summer,” said Martin.

Summer Enrollment Increases 30 Percent – Three for Free Program Successful in First Year

June 5, 2019 | Campus News

The classrooms of East Central College are full this summer, thanks in part to Three for Free – an initiative giving area high school students a chance to take a tuition-free summer course.

“Students were only responsible for course fees and textbooks,” said Heath Martin, vice president of student development. “We felt this was a great way for area students to get a feel for what East Central College has to offer.”

Classes started June 3, and the experience is already going well for Jadyn Chirico. The St. James High School student is taking a general psychology course this summer through the Three for Free initiative. “The class work is very interesting,” she said. “I’ve already learned a lot more than I knew before. I’m highly interested in psychology, but taking a class at my high school isn’t something I am able to do. Getting to learn about the subject through East Central College is a great opportunity.”

She’s one of nearly 100 students enrolled in tuition-free courses this summer at East Central College in Union and Rolla.

“From Borgia to Owensville to Vienna, we have students from more than 20 high schools enrolled in Three for Free this summer, as well as several homeschooled students,” said Megen Strubberg, director of early college programs.

Angela Kuhlmann is one of nine Union High School students who decided to enroll in courses this summer. When she heard about the Three for Free initiative, she jumped on the opportunity. “I thought it was a great chance for me to get college credit while still in high school,” she said. “If it wasn’t offered tuition-free, I’m not sure I would have taken a college class this summer.”

She plans to attend East Central College after graduation to take her general education requirements. “After ECC, I plan to transfer to a university to study pre-law.”

Along with the hard work of the East Central College Student Services Department, the Three for Free program helped boost summer enrollment in a big way.

“Enrollment for the summer semester is up more than 31 percent over last year,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, president. “The number of credit hours those students are taking is up nearly 26 percent. We are excited to have so many students taking advantage of our summer offerings.”

Alisa Glore is one of those students. The Bourbon High School student is taking a communications course through the Three for Free initiative. “I wanted to get a college class out of the way while I could,” she said. “I probably would have taken the class eventually, but getting the class tuition-free was a big help!” Glore plans to attend East Central College after high school to pursue a degree in nursing.

While many students will visit campus this summer, some won’t ever have to leave the comfort of their homes – like St. Clair High School student Emma Hinson. She’s taking general sociology online through East Central College.

“I want to get my prerequisites out of the way as fast as I can,” she said. “I don’t think I would have taken a summer class if Three for Free wouldn’t have been offered!”

What other students are saying about Three for Free:

–“I wanted to get my prerequisites out of the way,” said St. James High School student Jersey Moreland. “I probably wouldn’t have been able to take a college class this summer without Three for Free, because I wouldn’t have been able to afford it.”

–“I am going to be a senior in high school this upcoming fall, and I decided to participate in this program because I wanted to get a head start on my college credits,” said Eureka High School student Noelle DeRennaux. “I do not think I would have thought to take a summer class if it was not offered for free just because I would rather spend my money on other things!”

–“It seemed like a great opportunity to get a head start on some college classes,” said Union High School Student Sydney Eads, “and my parents encouraged me to! I probably would not have been so ambitious without the incentive program. It definitely helps.”

–“I took this class to get an early start on my career,” said Cuba High School Student Janell Light. “Though I still would have taken this class one way or another, it’s nice that it was free!”

–“I was able to use my summer science class as dual credit for my high school,” said Washington High School student Zach Miesner. “Plus, I’m able to get a head start on college credit. I wouldn’t have signed up for a class if it wasn’t for the discount and the dual credit opportunity.”

–“I decided to take a Three for Free class at East Central College because I believed it would help me in my future with becoming a nurse,” said Owensville High School student Paige Bossaller. “I will be honest with you, I probably wouldn’t of known about it or chosen to take the class if it wasn’t a Three for Free class!”

–“I wanted to take the a Three for Free class at East Central college to help me prepare for college,” said St. James High School student Sylvia Austin. “I would not have been able to take the class if it wasn’t for free. I have tried saving up for college and this is a great affordable way for me to get a head start on my classes.”

–“Taking a Three for Free class at ECC was really easier on my family at this time,” said Bourbon High School student Shanadoah Keckler. “This program was just one of those opportunities I couldn’t pass up!”

East Central College Hires Director of Early College Programs

April 4, 2019 | Campus News

East Central College is taking steps to strengthen its early college programs at area high schools. At the April 1 Board of Trustees meeting, Megen Poytner was approved as the new Director of Early College Programs. The position, formerly known as the Director of Dual Credit and College Readiness, will coordinate, develop and maintain dual credit, dual enrollment, dual technical credit and early college high school programs.

“Ms. Poynter will work closely with counselors at our partner high schools to build enrollment and create pathways to enrollment as full-time East Central College students following high school graduation,” said President Dr. Jon Bauer.

“My top priority will be learning more about what each high school needs from ECC to foster improved communication and collaboration,” Poynter said. “I will also be pursuing accreditation for our early college programs, through the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), an organization that works to ensure consistency between college and dual credit offerings.”

It’s a homecoming for Poynter, who spent nearly a decade as an employee of the college in various roles including Learning Center Specialist, Associate Registrar and Director of Admissions.

“As a graduate and former employee, ECC has shaped my life in countless, positive ways,” she explained. “I am grateful for this opportunity to give back.”

Most recently, she worked in Union High School as a college and career counselor for the Ayres Foundation, serving as a resource and advocate for students looking to enter or remain in post-secondary institutions and careers.

“I think it is important for ECC to have a dedicated person in this role,” she added. “Developing and maintaining stronger partnerships with our school districts will increase the number of students taking advantage of post-secondary opportunities close to home.”

Poynter received her master’s degree in education from the University of Missouri – St. Louis and her bachelor’s degree in media communications and public relations from Webster University.