Central U.P. middle college program expanding to more students

MARQUETTE — The middle college program in the central U.P. is expanding soon, allowing more high schoolers to earn substantial college credits at no cost to them or their families.

Eleven high school students from Marquette and Negaunee are enrolled in the program this year, the first for the middle college.

The program is aimed at students interested in science, technology, engineering and math–related career fields.

“Initially, we started with two degree programs, and now we’ve expanded that to six different programs that’ll be available to students, but always under the same premise, that it’s got to be in a degree area where there’s a job awaiting as well,” Marquette Alger RESA career and technical education director Brian Sarvello said.

Organizers have a goal of 50 students joining the middle college program in the next round of enrollments.

The students earn college credits during the five-year program by taking classes both at NMU and in their respective school districts.