Early college program at CHS celebrates anniversary

Ja'Nae Matthews, a junior at Godwin Heights High School, is considering becoming a surgeon. Another student in her class, Danielle Rhoades, is thinking about a career as a nurse practitioner.

Matthews, Rhoades and two other students were preparing a group presentation on autism and treatment options as part of their class at the Health Sciences Early College Academy, held at the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences.

Operated by the Kent Career Tech Center, the program offers introductory college-level courses to area high school juniors and seniors who want to participate in dual-enrollment and earn up to 12 free college credits.

Matthews said completing the program will give her an advantage when she goes to college. "Some students don't have an opportunity to learn about this before their first college class, I will have a head start," she said.

Alan Dzelatic is a junior at West Michigan Aviation Academy. He watched a PBS special on the genetic code while in middle school and said he has been hooked on DNA sequencing since.

"I'm not sure what kind of career that will involve, but that's why I wanted to come here, for the opportunity to learn about what's involved in lab work and diagnostic testing," he said.

Instructor Russ Walstead said 2018 marks the 10th anniversary of offering college content to high school students at CHS. The partnership between Grand Valley and the Career Tech Center dates back to 2003.

About 50 students enroll annually in the Health Sciences Early College Academy.