Mingus Union High School will continue providing the Early College Program to students this school year after its successful launch last year. This program gives students the opportunity to explore different career paths, start on their higher education journey and learn valuable skills while saving money.
“Regardless of your educational or post-secondary goals, the Early College Program provides an opportunity to learn time-management skills, self-advocacy, goal setting skills, and a strong work ethic,” Early College Coordinator Steph Garcia Hernandez said. “Last year we had 27 students who participated in the program with a lot of success.”
Charles Edwards, who graduated last year from Mingus, said the Early College Program opened many opportunities for him and gave him, and others in the community, an opportunity to get ahead on college credits, changing their lives for the better. “The support you receive in this program is amazing,” Edwards said. “I’m so grateful to have spent my senior year of high school in this program with others. Best high school decision ever.”
The Early College Program at Mingus has an assigned counselor to help guide the students with one-on-one support.
“I had so much fun at Yavapai College, and it was the best decision to make for my senior year,” Jahir Hernandez said. “Ms. Garcia did a great job making us feel welcomed, celebrated and ready for college. Thank you for making our senior year so much fun.”
This program is built for senior students who are on the path to graduation and want to be challenged. Students can take college core classes, like English and math, as well as elective classes to broaden their knowledge and help them choose a career path. “Students pay $10 per credit and $50 book deposit,” Garcia said.
“This is a significant saving since a credit at Yavapai College currently costs $108, and each class has 3 to 4 credits.” To be part of this program, junior students need to have a minimum 2.5 GPA, sign up with their counselor, participate in an interview and have transportation available, since classes take place at the Yavapai College campus. Students continue to be enrolled at Mingus but spend the school day at the college. “This is yet another opportunity offered to our students to help prepare them for life after high school,” interim principal Dave Beery said. “Our vision is to have every student celebrated and prepared. We offer many academic opportunities as well as extracurricular activities so that there is something available for everyone at Mingus.”
