APS, ACC Sign Renewal of Early College Program

The Alpena Early College Program has existed between Alpena Public Schools and Alpena Community College for ten years.

A program designed to help students get a head start on their college degrees and reduce the financial burden for families, the two signed a memorandum of understanding at acc on Tuesday afternoon.

“It’s exciting;” said Alpena Public Schools early college coordinator, Laurie Nugent. “What a compelling opportunity for students and families alike to be able to be a part of such a big program and such a longevity.”

Since the implementation of the program, 288 students have completed the program to earn 14,797 credits, and there are currently 162 students enrolled. This level of success shows the strength of the relationship between APS and ACC.

“That partnership has been amazing, and that’s why we’re doing it,” said Alpena Public Schools superintendent David Rabbideau. “But then, to just the business partnership, it’s been wonderful. Open to conversations and adjustments and working out issues as they arrive, we just know we’ve got a reliable partner to build this.”

The program has grown in the decade of its existence, and high schools across the state of Michigan are looking to get involved. With the increasing number of interesting students, APS says additional support staff would increase the efficiency of the program.

“It is very challenging, but that’s the number one priority, because they have to realize they can count on me,” said Nugent. “They can come to me with issues, they can come to me with successes, and the more of that that I can do, the more successful the program can be.”

APS and ACC have a strong relationship, but over the last ten years, it seems to have only grown stronger.

“We want to keep growing it to make it available to all our students because it is such a great benefit to them,” said Rabbideau.

Alpena Public Schools and Alpena Community College are looking forward to what the next ten years has to offer.