SWTC sees record growth

FENNIMORE, Wis. (WRCO / WRCE) – Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (SWTC) is seeing record growth in dual enrollment programs, giving high school students the chance to earn college credit before graduation.

Dual enrollment allows students to take college-level courses that count toward both high school and college requirements. Brianna Fortney, career prep and dual enrollment coordinator at Southwest Tech, said the initiative helps students save time and money while exploring career interests early.

Southwest Tech offers multiple pathways into dual enrollment

In Start College Now and CollEDGE Up, juniors and seniors can take courses on campus or online. Students submit an application to their school district requesting the courses they’d like to take. Once approved, the district pays for the course costs, such as tuition, fees, and books.

Youth Apprenticeship, in partnership with CESA 3, youth apprenticeship is an opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to explore their chosen career path while continuing to work towards high school graduation. It’s an “earn while you learn” program that combines work-based learning with related instruction. Youth apprentice students have the opportunity to earn college credits paid through the program, locally managed by CESA 3.

Transcripted Credit is for qualified high school teachers, trained and mentored by Southwest Tech faculty, to deliver college curriculum directly within their high school classrooms. This allows students to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously at no cost to the student or the district.

Programs span healthcare, agriculture, IT, business management, automotive and general education courses such as psychology, sociology, English and speech. The college reports strong participation in its Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, with many students beginning their nursing careers early.

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