Learning Communities
Learning communities comprise a cohort - group of students who share interests and take classes together. The goal of these communities is to provide student and course connections that make classes and learning more interesting and students more successful. Benefits include:
- learning in a cooperative environment;
- integrated curriculum;
- individual advising/counseling;
- direct contact with quality instructors;
- making new friends;
- small class sizes; and
- a better chance for academic success, which increases the likelihood of staying in college.
Current learning community opportunities include:
AIM for Success
AIM (Academic Improvement) for Success is a learning community designed for students who need to develop their reading and writing skills to achieve proficiency at the college level. AIM is offered in a block schedule and requires students to enroll in reading and writing courses for completion of 10.5 credits during the one-quarter program.
For more information about the AIM program, visit www.mccneb.edu/learningcommunities/aimforsuccess.asp. To register, students should contact Student Services.
Paired learning
Paired learning courses emphasize the relationship between two subject areas by providing students with the opportunity to learn about common topics from different points of reference. Instructors organize curriculum around projects and problem-based instruction.
Passport program
The Passport program is a learning community for students interested in starting their degrees at MCC and then transferring to four-year institutions. The learning communities consist of groups of up to 25 students who complete their first academic year of college together. Students attend full-time during the day, taking three courses each quarter, completing a total of 40.5 quarter (27.0 semester) credits that transfer to most four-year institutions.
An academic advisor is assigned to the Passport group to help ensure student success. For more information, visit www.mccneb.edu/passport.
Teacher Preparation Connection
MCC offers a range of courses in early childhood education (ECED) and education (EDUC) that transfer to bachelor's degree programs at colleges and universities throughout the state.
Students planning to earn certification in early childhood education, elementary education, secondary education, or special education can complete up to 94.0 quarter hours (62.0 semester hours) at MCC. Most or all of those credits transfer to four-year programs.
The list of courses required by teacher certification programs varies, so it is recommended that a transfer institution and certification program be chosen prior to registering for EDUC courses.
TRiO
The TRiO/Student Support Services (SSS) program furthers the MCC mission of educational excellence and equal access by providing first-generation college students with limited income and/or disabilities and homeless students a multiplicity of academic and personal support services: study skills development to achieve academic success, tutoring and supplemental instruction to master course content, and intensive academic and personal advisement to build confidence and promote student success. SSS also provides mentors and a summer bridge program to first-year students, financial literacy education, and scholarship and grant opportunities. These interconnected services increase persistence and encouragement for a seamless transition. TRiO/SSS also includes the Single Parent/Displaced Homemaker program serving single parents or pregnant students as they strive to meet their educational goals. Students must apply for program services; space is limited.
Single Parent/Displaced Homemaker Program
The Single Parent/Displaced Homemaker program provides a wide range of workshops and personal assistance to single parents, single pregnant women, displaced homemakers, and TRiO/SSS students. Referral to other College offices and relevant outside community agencies is also available.