Even eighth-graders can start planning to reap big college savings at Flint's C-A Baker Career Academy

It’s not too early for students in eighth through 10th grades to start thinking about their higher education goals, according to Chris Christensen, principal of Carman-Ainsworth (C-A) Baker Career Academy. In fact, it’s the perfect time

The Academy offers free college courses to qualified high school students – as early as their sophomore year – in Genesee County through two Baker College Running Start programs: dual enrollment and early/middle college.

Early/middle college students can graduate from high school with up to 60 credit hours, even an associate degree, at no cost to them or their families. They must begin the program no later than their junior year and commit to a fifth year of high school during which they take classes at Baker College.

“The sooner students begin at the Academy, the more they maximize the free college offerings,” Christensen said. “Our accelerated curricula provide eight high school credits per year, versus the normal six credits. Earning additional credits allows for more time to take college credits. A ninth-grade Academy student can potentially begin earning college credit in 10th grade.

“This is for those who will benefit from accelerated curricula and smaller class sizes. There is also free tutoring to help students navigate the challenging high school and college classwork.”

The Academy is the result of a 10-year partnership between Baker College and C-A Community Schools, which subsidizes tuition and other costs for students to earn college credit. To gain access, students must be enrolled at C-A Community Schools. If they don’t live in the district, they can apply to enter through the schools of choice program or apply direct to the Academy.

“Students get a leg up on college, and everything is free - tuition, books and fees,” Christensen said. “The savings can be thousands of dollars.

“For those in early-middle college, they leave high school with a diploma and substantial college credit. If they’ve earned an associate degree, they have options: begin work in their career field, continue their education to earn a bachelor’s or both.”

Associate degree programs are computer programming, business administration, photonics and laser technology, automotive services technology, computer numerical controls machinist and criminal justice.

Academy students have all the benefits of a C-A high school student – options to participate in sports and attend social events – and the benefits of a Baker College student – access to the library, student and fitness centers and academics.

Christensen said the spring informational open house is 5:30-7 p.m., Thursday, May 4. Students and parents are invited. Reservations are not necessary. Attendees will learn about the Academy and tour the newly renovated stand-alone building on the Baker College campus, 1122 W. Bristol Road, Flint, 48507.

For more information, students can contact their school counselor or Chris Christensen at 810.766.2236 or cchrist@carmanainsworth.org, or visit www.baker.edu/runningstart.

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The photonics and laser technology program is among the six associate degree programs available free to high school students at the of C-A Baker Career Academy.