This year, 65 sophomores started Middle College in Wyoming, up from 50 last year. About 150 students have graduated the program since it began. Lauren Kramer is planning to add her name to that list without spending a dime on a college degree.
Outside her “Principles of Economics” class, Lauren Kramer adds up ways she’s benefiting from being a student at Wyoming High School AND Grand Rapids Community College.
Through the Wyoming Middle College she has already earned 30 GRCC credits. Her tuition is free, including books and materials. She’s getting experience in college courses and she’s discovered a potential career: culinary arts.
Lauren started Middle College as a Wyoming High School sophomore and now goes to GRCC as a fifth-year high school student. She’s already halfway through her associate degree.
Wyoming Middle College started in 2012 and was the first partnership for GRCC of its kind. It works like this: Students start in 10th grade taking college courses taught by GRCC faculty members at Wyoming High School. They take on a fifth year as a Wyoming student at GRCC. The cost is paid for through the per-pupil foundation allowance from the state of Michigan.
When they’ve completed the program, students graduate with both a high school diploma and a GRCC associate degree.
Lauren estimates the program saved her some $40,000 in university tuition, housing and fees. All she has to pay for this year is parking and food.
Joy Walczak and Erin Albanase reporting for School News Network.