GVSU's direct credit program expands, Michigan high school students benefit

More than 200 high school students across Michigan are earning college credits through established partnerships among Grand Valley, intermediate school districts, technical education centers and high schools.

While these students can take their direct credits to any college, Grand Valley leaders said the students are getting a jump start on their post-high school plans while enhancing the education they receive from their career and technical education programs.

Mike Eichberger is one year into his new role at Grand Valley as a school partnership specialist. Eichberger meets with tech center and high school administrators to see if GVSU courses would be equivalent to their career and tech education programs. Before agreements are signed, instructors and course content are reviewed.

Assisting Eichberger are nearly 30 Grand Valley faculty members who are charged with reviewing proposed agreements related to their specific areas, such as allied health sciences, athletic training, business, computing, criminal justice, education, engineering, hospitality, and film and video production.

Jenny Baweja, program director for Allied Health Sciences (AHS), has reviewed many proposals as two AHS courses — Medical Terminology and Introduction to Health Care — are popular direct credit courses. 

"Through information sharing between AHS and the tech center instructors, we're creating an educational community around the students," Baweja said. "We visit the tech centers and expose students to campus to inspire them toward a health care future."

The direct credit partnerships expand access to higher education and reduce cost barriers for K-12 students, according to Eichberger. The courses are transferable and Grand Valley charges a reduced tuition rate directly to tech centers. 

"Why duplicate their learning?" Baweja said. "We're creating educational efficiencies, and students are getting credit for the work they're doing before they enter college. These AHS courses are standard for pre-health programs."

GVSU signed its first direct credit agreement with Northwest Education Services in Traverse City in 2023. Eichberger said there are now nine similar agreements with Michigan career tech centers and high schools.

Eichberger said he continually meets with Admissions colleagues and Omni regional directors in Traverse City, Battle Creek, Muskegon and Detroit. “It’s great to collaborate with our GVSU colleagues living and working in the areas. Their connection to the community helps enhance the overall GVSU partnership experience,” he said.

Shannon Owen, director of Northern Michigan programs, said the university's effort to connect with school districts and tech centers began in earnest following the pandemic.

“When a gap analysis showed strong alignment between career tech education programs and entry-level college courses, we recognized the importance of validating these learning experiences,” Owen said. “I’m grateful that GVSU is establishing a process to expand this program statewide.”