Looking for a specific grant?
Page Tools
Middle college program prepares Flint teen for health care career
By DUANE M. ELLING
Genesee County is one of six Michigan communities selected by the state to launch a middle college-style educational program to help young people explore and prepare for careers in health care. The Genesee Intermediate School District and several local partners — including the district’s Mott Middle College and the University of Michigan-Flint — began enrolling area students in the Genesee Early College (GEC) in September 2007. Katie Welch, 16, is among the 48 young people enrolled in the GEC’s inaugural class. In her own words, Welch, a high school junior, tells how the program is helping to put her on the road to success.
“I first learned about GEC when my mom brought home some paperwork about it. I read it over and thought, ‘What a cool program, whoever gets accepted into it is going to have a really great opportunity.’
“Then my mom asked me if I was interested and I was, like, ‘Really? Me? Yeah!’
“The experience has been great. My classes are interesting and challenging, and the professors are incredible. College is a totally different learning environment than high school, and it’s helping me to mature, both as a student and a person.
“College offers a lot of freedom, because you usually don’t have to turn in homework every day. But that freedom also means more responsibility; you have to be in charge of your education and take the initiative to learn.
“Starting college at a younger age can be scary, but GEC offers us a lot of support. We get together in focus groups and talk about our classes, the college experience and any other things we’re concerned about. This helps us to remember that we’re not alone and that we have what it takes to be successful.
“While it takes a year longer to finish GEC than it does a regular high school program, by the time I graduate I’ll also have about 60 transferable college credits. That will give me a big head start on both my education and my future career.
“I’ve always known that one day I would help people and make a difference in their lives. My experience at GEC has helped me to see that going into health care is one of the most important ways I can accomplish that. At this point, I’m pretty sure that I’ll focus on a career in biomedical engineering.
“It’s also pretty cool being part of the very first GEC class. We’re like pioneers, helping to learn what works and what doesn’t in the program, which means that it will be even better for the students who come after us.
“Programs like GEC are important to the future of Michigan and the rest of the country. They help young people learn about careers that have good potential. They help us get ready for college and be more mature about our education and our future. And they’ll help make sure that we have enough educated and trained workers to meet the country’s needs.”