College Credit Courses Available to BHS Students
 | Author:
Bryleigh Erickson, High School Reporter
MT43News School Reporter |
College Credit Courses Available to BHS Students
Bryleigh Erickson
BHS Reporter
In the fall of 2023, Broadwater High School’s counselor, Mike Schnittgen, introduced a program that could change many BHS students’ futures. He, with the help of the Montana Advanced Opportunities grant, has worked to provide Broadwater High students with the opportunity to participate in, and access college classes both online and in person and receive credits for these classes. The grant covers the cost of books, tuition and other college fees, widening the education available for high school students.
Through the Early College program, students attend college classes online, taught by college professors. Over 32 percent of juniors and seniors attending BHS are enrolled in these online classes and together they will earn a total of 135 college credits this fall. From the Fall of 2023 to the Spring of 2026, Mr. Schnittgen will help students save approximately $287,887.16 in college tuition and fees through this program. There are a variety of classes offered to students to complete their general studies. History, math, science, and art credits are all available. The students who attend these classes have an assigned period in their daily schedule to complete their classes. They can also attend classes over the summer.
The Dual-Credit enrollment program still allows students to participate in college-level classes, but they also receive credits towards graduating high school. These classes are special because they are taught by BHS teachers and are offered to high school seniors and juniors. There are 5 teachers teaching math, science, writing, and welding classes. These teachers are extremely passionate about these programs and provide these opportunities for their students. This program allows students to attend college-level classes with smaller class sizes and closer relationships with their teachers. Only teachers with a Master's Degree in their field may teach these classes. Their curriculum is approved by and closely follows that of the college they’re working with.
Jason Thomas teaches Dual Credit Biology and Anatomy. He is very passionate about providing these opportunities for high school students to learn beyond a high school level. He says that he’s “pushed these students hard” and they have responded.” I’ve pushed them through really difficult, high-level material. So, for me, they’re working at a level that needs to be earning college credit,” he explained.
These classes provide students with “an opportunity for learning at a whole different level,” Mr. Thomas continued.
When asked why he decided to start this program for the students, Mike Schnittegen listed many reasons. The cost of college is very high, and these programs provide opportunities for students to save money. Through this program, students can complete their whole first year of college. This means that when these students attend college, they will not be required to stay in the dormitories. Most colleges require first-year students to live on campus. Not living on campus saves thousands of dollars on housing costs. Another reason that Mr. Schnittegen started this program is that it is a great opportunity for students to try college and determine whether it’s something they can and want to do, or if it’s not for them. This program also allows students to complete college one year faster, allowing them to enter the workforce sooner.
Students have capitalized on their new opportunities, and 4 students will graduate this spring with their general studies completed, and 31 college credits to their name. With the addition of these classes, BHS students have a new scope of opportunities when it comes to their education. Broadwater High School students are extremely fortunate to have these opportunities. Hopefully, this program can continue in the future, as it is an amazing aid to students wanting to jump-start their college careers.
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PhotoCredit: Bryleigh Erickson photo
Image 1 Caption: BHS Counselor Mike Schnittgen with Madelyn Schritz, who graduated with her college-level General Studies completed.
Photo Credit:Bryleigh Erickson
