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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Participants of the MCC/Brighton High School Early College Program Receive Certificates


This past fall, ten Brighton High School seniors had an opportunity to experience a taste of success at MCC -- thanks to an innovative grant-funded pilot program. On Tuesday, February 26, at the Brighton School Board Meeting, those students who participated in the MCC/Brighton High School Early College Program were presented with certificates of achievement for completing two college courses – one three-credit class of their choice and a six-week college orientation course. Sarah Hagreen, MCC admissions counselor, and Tony Felicetti, associate vice president, Enrollment Management, were on hand to assist in the presentation and acknowledge each student’s succeess.

The program bused students to MCC on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings throughout the semester. All tuition, fees and books were covered by the grant. “Our goal was an easier transition for these students, and we believe MCC was the very best place for them to take that first step,” said Brighton High School principal and former MCC professor Nancy Hackett.

To qualify for the program, students had to complete all academic requirements with a high B average and have an interest in a specific career area. Potential candidates then completed a screening process, including a personal interview to assess maturity, availability and independence.  

Dale Doty, psychology professor and department chair, can attest to their readiness. He had four of the Brighton High School students in his class. “The students from BHS were well prepared, pleasant and eager to learn,” he said. “They were contributing participants--  pleasant and cheerful – nice to have in class.”

It was a positive experience for MCC and a unique opportunity for ten motivated high school seniors. According to Felicetti, the pilot program was such a successful project that it will probably be expanded next year.

Janet Ekis
College and Community Relations
03/04/2008