GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – A new program aims to give high school students a head start on their college careers.
The Green Bay Area Public School District launched ‘Turbocharge with College Credit’ on Thursday.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Langenfeld says starting with the Class of 2023, students will need at least 15 college credits to graduate high school.
Green Bay Schools is partnering with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in the effort.
In addition to giving them a head-start on their college degrees, UWGB Chancellor Dr. Gary Miller says the challenging coursework students will have to take before stepping foot on campus will also make them “better aware of the rigors, (help them better) understand a little bit more about the of tension of college, and develop skills that will help them get through university.”
Miller expects the program could save each student thousands of dollars in tuition costs.
While the main objective is helping kids earn college credit, Langenfeld says the high school courses could also help them “get certification so they can go straight into a career while they are still going to college. They can earn money while still improving their education.”
Langenfeld believes ‘Turbocharge with College Credit’ will also benefit students who do not plan on going to college.
She says soft skills such as “perserverance (learned in the challenging courses) will guide them to success no matter where they go.”
Langenfeld notes many students already finish high school with college credits, some with more than the 15 that will soon be required.
She says district officials are looking into options for how students can earn those college credits and notes the expansion of Advanced Placement course offerings is possible.
Through the graduating Class of 2022, obtaining college credits during high school will remain optional.
