Baker College, Lake Orion Community Schools to offer free college credit; info mtg May 4

Baker College of Auburn Hills and Lake Orion Community Schools have partnered to provide the opportunity for students to graduate from high school with up to 60 transferable college credits, a college associate degree or a technical certificate at no cost to the students or their families. The Lake Orion Early/Middle College program pays for all tuition, books and fees.

Current sophomore students at Lake Orion High School are eligible for the program that begins fall 2016. They can earn high school and college credit at the same time ­– at the high school, online or at Baker College of Auburn Hills – and continue to earn college credit during a fifth year of high school with courses held at Baker College of Auburn Hills.

A student-parent informational meeting is set for Wednesday, May 4, 7 p.m., at the Lake Orion High School Auditorium.

“Having the option to secure a higher education at no cost to students or their parents is an incredible opportunity,” said Peter W. Karsten, Ph.D., CPA, Baker College of Auburn Hills president. “It provides a running start to students on their college education without incurring debt or dipping into their financial resources.

“Given the long history of Baker College successfully preparing students for rewarding careers, Lake Orion students have a unique advantage in entering the workforce."

Lake Orion High School Assistant Principal Chris Bell said that the partnership with Baker College is a good match.

“One of the strengths of Lake Orion Community Schools is that we provide options to students based on their talents and interests,” Bell said. “This is a huge option that is also advantageous to our students’ parents.”

Courses offered initially support the associate degree programs of business administration and computer programming. The first half of both programs include general education courses that are requirements for many associate and bachelor’s degrees.

Bell said, “We have a large number of students in business and computer science courses, so we chose to begin with higher education programs in those areas. Additional programs considered in the near future will depend upon student interest, employment trends and reported shortages of workforce talent.”

He noted research that shows the earlier that students participate in early college programs, the more likely they are to graduate from high school and earn a college degree.

“It’s about gaining the confidence that they can succeed,” he said. “But achieving some form of higher education is crucial to even enter today’s job market. By providing free access to the quality education and career services offered by Baker College, we’re setting up our students to be more competitive in the job market right out of high school or to fast-track a bachelor’s degree.”

Lake Orion High School students who participate in the early/middle college remain eligible to participate in high school sports and other extracurricular activities through 12th grade. Those who elect to take fifth-year coursework may walk with their class at graduation but will receive their high school diploma upon completion of the program.

The program is approved by the Michigan Department of Education.

For more information about the Lake Orion Early/Middle College program, students should contact their high school counselor.

For information about Baker College programs, contact Nicole Chirco in the admissions office at nicole.chirco@baker.edu or 248.340.0600, or visit www.baker.edu.

About Lake Orion Community Schools:

Lake Orion Community Schools is an award-winning public school district in Oakland County. A total of 7,600 students attend classes in seven elementary schools, three middle schools and the nationally accredited Lake Orion High School. In 2015, Lake Orion’s school district was ranked among the top 40 in the state by www.Niche.com. Metro Parent magazine ranked Lake Orion elementary schools among the 50 best in the region. Students in third through eleventh grades who took the statewide M-STEP assessment test last year scored among the top seven districts in Oakland County in all subject categories. Lake Orion’s Early Literacy Intervention Program has won several regional, state and international awards. The middle schools and high school also feature acclaimed band, choir, art and student media programs, as well as a successful athletic program for student-athletes. In addition, Lake Orion High School is on the National Honor Roll for Advance Placement (AP) programs. The graduation rate for seniors annually exceeds 95 percent. For more information, visit www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us.

About Baker College:

The largest private college in Michigan, Baker College is a not-for-profit higher education institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It serves more than 23,000 students on multiple campuses and online. Baker College grants certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in more than 100 programs across diverse academic fields, including business, health sciences, engineering, information technology, education and human services. An impressive 97 percent of available graduates are employed. Every Baker College graduate receives Lifetime Employment Assistance—free and forever. Baker College is a pioneer in distance education and offers students the option of completing a degree 100 percent online, without ever visiting a campus. For information, visit www.baker.edu or follow Baker College on Twitter, @bakercollege, or on Facebook, www.facebook.com/bakercollege.

# # #