CVTC Recognizes Schools for Dual-Credit Partnership

    Eau Claire, WI – Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) on Monday honored Durand and Mondovi high schools with Partnership Awards for their increasing participation in the college’s dual credit program.
    In dual-credit classes, high school students earn full credit directly from the technical college just as if the student took the class at the college. “They get credit on their (CVTC) transcript right away. They don’t have to apply for it. That credit can transfer to a university too,” said CVTC Registrar Jessica Schwartz. “We are looking for ways to create pathways from high school to CVTC, and to their bachelor’s degree at a university.”
    The schools’ participation in the program has been increasing, leading CVTC leaders to visit the school May 16 to present a Partnership Award. The schools were also recognized with a Partnership Award in 2014.
    Durand High School currently has dual credit agreements with CVTC for seven classes, with 134 student enrollments. That’s an increase from four classes and 48 enrollments in 2013-14. Mondovi High School currently has nine dual credit classes with 137 student enrollments, an increase from two classes and 23 enrollments in 2013-14.
    Because the school district pays for the CVTC credits, the dual credit classes provide a way for the students to save money on college tuition.
    “It’s a great advantage to students to start college while they are still in high school,” said Margo Keys, vice president of student services at CVTC. “Part of the reason is the money you can save by taking the classes in high school. Some students can take enough credits in high school to complete a whole semester of college.”
    CVTC has 135 dual credit agreements with 34 high schools this school year. CVTC dual-credit programs have helped almost 5,600 students since 2011.
    A new way CVTC brings dual credit classes to high schools is through a dual-credit academy, in which a cluster of CVTC classes in a particular subject are taught right at the high school by a CVTC instructor. The classes can lead to industry-recognized certificates or technical diplomas for the students. Both Mondovi and Durand high schools are exploring dual-credit academy opportunities in manufacturing programs with CVTC.
    Chippewa Valley Technical College delivers superior, progressive technical education which improves the lives of students, meets the workforce needs of the region, and strengthens the larger community. Campuses are located in Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Menomonie, Neillsville and River Falls. CVTC serves an 11-county area in west central Wisconsin. CVTC is part of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) and is one of 16 WTCS colleges located throughout the state.