Madison Reporter

MMSD, in collaboration with Madison College, is set to launch three new early college academies for the 2025–26 academic year. These programs are designed to help high school seniors achieve their academic and career objectives.

The newly introduced academies include the Early College Biomedical Academy, Early College Networking & Cybersecurity Academy, and Running Start: Personalized Academy. Applications are currently open to MMSD high school juniors, with coursework beginning in their senior year. These additions complement existing programs such as the Early College Education Academy and the Early College STEM Academy.

“These academies provide participants the dual benefit of gaining exposure to advanced-level coursework while earning applicable college credit in the process,” stated Mary Jankovich, MMSD’s executive director of secondary programs & pathways. “They are rooted in our commitment to educational excellence, and to affording all of our students access to well-rounded opportunities that will benefit them post-graduation.”

In the previous school year, around 61% of district seniors graduated with at least one college credit, offering tuition savings for those continuing their education at a post-secondary level.

“Our early college offerings allow students to more deeply explore their interests at the high school level before committing to pursuing a particular field of study in college,” said Cindy Green, MMSD’s assistant superintendent of teaching and learning. "They provide a space for those interests to develop into passions that may, ultimately, lead to rewarding careers."

Each academy offers up to 30 college credits at no cost:

- The Early College Biomedical Academy targets students interested in medical lab careers through hands-on bio-health field learning. It prepares students for healthcare careers and admits up to 25 students.

- The Early College Networking & Cybersecurity Academy focuses on IT and cybersecurity careers. It also admits up to 25 students.

- Running Start: Personalized Academy allows students flexibility by creating personalized study programs with Madison College advisors leading toward technical diplomas in high-demand fields. This program also admits up to 25 students.

- The Early College Education Academy provides a pathway into teaching professions with up to 30 credits towards an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts Transfer-Education. Up to 50 students can enroll.

- The Early College STEM Academy is tailored for those exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields. It aims at increasing access for underrepresented groups in STEM fields and can admit up to 100 students.

Applications close on January 24, 2025. Virtual information sessions are scheduled for November 19, December 11, and January 16 at Madison College.