ROCKFORD, Mich.– Enrollment is underway for the Early College Program, a new partnership between Rockford Public Schools and Ferris State University designed to get high school students used to the rigors of college classes.
“I’m excited about this opportunity,” said Rockford Superintendent Michael Shibler following the announcement on Tuesday.
Both Shibler and Ferris State President David Eisler were involved from the beginning of the nearly two-year planning process for the program, which will allow students to attend college classes for free. The school district will pay $120 per credit hour, which is a third of the usual rate at Ferris State. The district has already implemented the costs into their budget.
To be eligible for the program, Rockford students must have a grade point average of at least 2.5 and a score of 19 or higher on their ACTs. To earn crdit in their college classes, they must maintain a 2.0 GPA.
Rockford is currently the only school district in West Michigan offering the Early College Program. Shibler said he’ll look at opening up to students throughout Kent County as well as expanding it into the summer once he evaluates the program.
