Ashley Darga is the Early College Program Specialist for the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District. Among other things, she explained the difference between early college and dual enrollment.
The original intent of the legislation enabling early college was to attract students who would not otherwise attend college. Early college gives participating students a jump start on their college career. The students start in their 11th year, making a three-year commitment and applying to a college--mostly Northwestern Michigan College. In their 13th year they obtain an associate degree that can be transferred to another college or university.
TBAISD serves schools in a five-county area that includes Benzie County. The early college program is looking for students (25-30 a year) who can demonstrate that they will succeed--i.e., they are ready for math and English at the college level and can be accepted at NMC.