Secondary Partnerships
MCC has established numerous partnerships with area high schools for the benefit of students, including dual enrollment courses, career academies, the Gateway to College program, and high school-to-college transfer classes. Other partnership activities enhance career relevance and rigor to prepare students for a wide array of postsecondary options.
Bright Start
The Bright Start program is a partnership with Omaha Public Schools to help identified high school students make the transition to higher education. The Bright Start Transition Specialist works with the high school students to identify their career goals and pursue the education they need to succeed, as well as provides career and financial aid information to students and families. For more information, visit www.mccneb.edu/secondary or call 402-457-2213.
Career Academies
MCC’s Career Academy program is designed to provide high school juniors and seniors with opportunities to explore various career fields and get a jumpstart on their postsecondary education. MCC Career Academies increase student awareness in various career fields prior to high school graduation so more informed career choices can be made. Through an MCC Career Academy, students gain practical skills for specific career areas, knowledge of safety procedures, job-seeking skills, interpersonal skills for the workplace, and exposure to a college environment. For more information, visit www.mccneb.edu/secondary or call 402-457-2213.
CollegeNOW!
CollegeNOW! is a program specifically designed for Nebraska high school students to jumpstart their college education with half-price tuition. Students may take any college course (for which prerequisites are met) at an MCC location or online and receive MCC credit. For more information, visit www.mccneb.edu/secondary or call 402-457-2213.
Dual Enrollment
Dual Enrollment is a college credit program for high school students. Dual Enrollment allows Nebraska high school students to earn both high school and college credit at the same time. MCC has a written contract with the school district to provide college-level courses to qualified high school students. Most Dual Enrollment courses are offered at the high school during the regular school day. Students register for Dual Enrollment courses with their high school instructor or counselor. Students pay half of the current tuition rate and may transfer their college credit to any college or university that accepts MCC credit. (It is the responsibility of the student to verify whether the course transfers to the receiving institution.) For more information, visit www.mccneb.edu/secondary or call 402-457-2213.
Gateway to College
MCC’s Gateway to College program is a nationally recognized model of a high school diploma completion program for high school dropouts or students who are behind in credits and on the verge of dropping out of school. Gateway to College provides students who have not been successful in the traditional high school environment with the opportunity for a fresh start on a college campus. Students ages 16–20 who are ready to re-engage in education are given the opportunity to return to school to complete their high school diploma on a college campus while earning dual credit for coursework. The program is designed for student success, beginning with the small size of the first-quarter learning community and a student resource specialist assigned to each student. Students interested in this scholarship program participate in a competitive three-day application and admissions process. To learn more about the Gateway to College program, who is eligible, and how to apply, visit www.mccneb.edu/gtc or call 402-457-2746.