At the beginning of the school year during the Student ECAP Program, students will have the opportunity to learn how to either start learning a Vocational Career or Earning College Credits while still attending high school. Listed below are a few of those various opportunities that students can take advantage of. However, you must qualify for these Programs.
West-MEC (Western Maricopa Education Center) is a public school district dedicated to providing students innovative Career & Technical Education Programs that will prepare them to enter the workforce and pursue continuing education. This program allows Juniors and Seniors the opportunity to start training for a Vocational Career while still in high school and the chance to get certified in that Career upon completion of the program. Students have to sign up for this program during the Fall of their Sophomore or Junior year, depending on the program. West-MEC also offers an Adult Program for graduated students
To view all the available West-MEC Programs, click on the What is West-MEC? link above:
West-MEC has 5 locations plus the community colleges where students can enroll in a program. Some programs may only be offered at a specific location.
Students will be provided transportation to and from the Northwest training site only.
There are eligibility requirements that have to be met to get accepted into the program, with attendance and grades being the biggest ones
Students can also Earn College Credits through the West-MEC Programs
Go to west-mec.edu for more detailed information about each program and training site.
See Mr. Marshall for registration information.
For students that wish to challenge themselves have the opportunity of enrolling in College Courses to earn both College and High School Credits through the Maricopa Community Colleges.
Maricopa Community College - Concurrent College Courses
Glendale Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College or Rio Salado Community College offer Concurrent College Courses. Enrollment in these courses does have either a GPA requirement or a testing requirement. These courses can be taken on the colleges campus in the evenings or online during the school day as part of your schedule. These classes do have a per credit cost, that you are responsible for paying to the college to earn the college credits. These college classes will also appear on the student's High School Transcript which will count towards Graduation. These classes are for Juniors and Seniors.
Students interested in taking Concurrent College Courses need to register either online or in person at the community college prior to the start of the school year. Speak with Mr. Marshall in the MHS Counseling Office for information and approval.
Maricopa Community College - Early College Programs
The Maricopa Community Colleges also offers two other types of Concurrent College Courses through their Early College Program; ACE and the Hoop of Learning Programs. These Early College Programs also offers students the opportunity to start earning college credits while still in high school. These classes are taught in person on the weekends and over the summer at Glendale Community College or Estrella Mountain Community College. The programs are explained below. Please pay special attention to the eligibility requirements for these programs:
The ACE (Achieving a College Education) is a scholarship program that gives eligible students the experience of taking college credit courses while still enrolled in high school. ACE empowers these high school students to achieve a higher education and success in life by learning the skills it takes to manage high school, attend college, and plan for a rewarding future. Student will attend college classes during the summer and on Saturdays during their junior and senior year. This is a scholarship program paid by the community colleges. Student can only apply for this program during their Sophomore year..
Eligibility
Student applicants must meet one or more of the requirements below to be eligible:
First member of family to attend college
Demonstrated financial need
Under-represented population and/or English Language Learner
Environmental risk factors (will be considered on case by case basis, for example, student raised in foster care, teen parent, etc.)
Application Process for ACE
Applications are available online on any Maricopa Community College website or speak with Mr. Marshall
Students must apply during the fall of their sophomore year in high school
Student applications are due to the by December 15th
The Hoop of Learning Program (HOL) is designed to encourage, enable and empower Native American students to complete high school and transition successfully to higher education. All students can participate in HOL if they meet the requirements.. Once accepted into the program, HOL students are concurrently enrolled in high school and college courses, attending college classes during the summer and on Saturdays during the school year. HOL students can earn general studies college credits towards an associate’s degree or transfer to a university to earn their bachelor’s degree.
Eligibility
The HOL Program is looking for high school students who meet the following criteria:
Must be a registered member of a state or federally recognized tribal nation
Must have a 2.0 minimum high school grade point average (GPA).
Must be actively enrolled in high school and on track to graduate on time. Applicants can apply in the fall semester of their 10th or 11th grade. Most programs start a new cohort of students in the summer semester. Check with the individual college for exact dates and deadlines.
Go to Maricopa Community Colleges Early College Programs for more information.
Contact Mr. Marshall in the Counseling office for more information about the Career Training Opportunities through West- MEC, The Concurrent College Courses, or the Early College Programs to see if you Qualify.
Being a volunteer means that you are offering something – something that is not required nor an obligation. ... Most of the time, too volunteer means that you are working side by side with others. This connects you to other human beings as you are working toward a common goal. When you volunteer, you are making connections; not to mention, it is also a great character builder and you are making a difference!
Most 4 year colleges and universities consider this to be a very important admissions requirement. They want to know what you have done to serve your community and help others. Whether you volunteer in the community, through your church or through a school program, just do it!
Looking for ways and opportunities to serve and help others and to make a difference? The link below will help you get started.