Agreement allows high school students at North Ed Career Tech to obtain direct credit to GVSU

Leaders from Grand Valley and Northwest Education Services in Traverse City signed an agreement April 5 that allows high school students attending the Health Sciences program at North Ed Career Tech to obtain college-level credits through GVSU.

This direct-credit agreement is the first between North Ed and GVSU and allows students to earn six college credits at GVSU (three credits for Medical Terminology and three credits for Intro to Health Care). Both organizations are exploring possibilities to expand the partnership through the addition of other Career Tech programs such as Teacher Academy, Business Careers, Engineering Academy, and Public Safety.

Fatma Mili, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs, said this agreement serves as a model to grow and serve high school students across the state where Grand Valley has a presence.

Kara Van Dam, vice provost for Graduate and Lifetime Learning, said these agreements will increase access to college by lifting barriers.

“We know that career and technical center students are actually gaining college-level skills,” Van Dam said. “Through this partnership, we honor that by putting GVSU credit in their hands, and easing their path to college and lowering its cost.”

Nick Ceglarek, superintendent for North Ed, called the ability for students to earn college credits while in high school amazing, noting it will save them time and money.

“North Ed is thrilled to offer this new pathway for students who want to advance their education beyond high school, and we’re excited to embark on this new partnership with Grand Valley as we explore ways to support education in our community,” said Ceglarek, who earned two GVSU degrees in 1996 and 1999.

Tuition costs are covered by North Ed. To receive credits, students must earn a grade of B or better in the Health Sciences program and submit an undergraduate non-degree seeking application to GVSU. 

GVSU will support curriculum development and provide other resources to North Ed Career Tech instructors and students to support the program.