August 21, 2023 – Programs that support and allow high school students early access to college courses in high school are growing popular for good reason. The offerings allow for greater flexibility when they enter the college setting full-time. Many concurrent enrollment alums find they are able to pursue second majors and participate in study abroad opportunities, and internships. Students are able to explore fields of interest without declaring a major.

Dual enrollment programs, also known as PSEO, require the student to attend online or on-campus college, earning credit for both college and high school graduation requirements. Concurrent enrollment is a type of dual enrollment where students take courses at their high school from a high school teacher who is credentialed to teach a college-level course. Both programs are available with no tuition cost for the student, which allows them to function as an equity strategy.

Minnesota West is proud to offer both PSEO enrollment programs while partnering with high schools to give students the opportunity to earn college credits. Students work with their high school counselors to see if it is a right fit for their academic goals.

The 2023 Professional Development meeting was held last week at the Minnesota West Worthington Campus and was a significant event, bringing together 75 concurrent enrollment instructors from the REACH program and college faculty mentors. The meeting aimed to enhance the skills and knowledge of the instructors. The Dean of Liberal Arts and K-12 Partnerships, Kayla Westra, expressed pride in the collaboration between Minnesota West and the regional school districts, highlighting the value of providing college-level courses to high school students.

The REACH program is accredited through the National Association of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP). The NACEP works to ensure that college courses offered by high school teachers are as rigorous as courses offered on the sponsoring college campus. As the sole accrediting body for concurrent enrollment partnerships, NACEP helps these programs adhere to the highest standards so students experience a seamless transition to college and teachers benefit from meaningful, ongoing professional development.