Powerful Impact

Immersive programs for high schoolers provide powerful experiences.

Without any knowledge of the college experience, young people might wonder whether a college degree is worth the time and expense.

Others are firmly committed to college, and are interested in finding ways to get a head start. Mount Mary believes that this investment certainly is worth it, and has recently implemented several creative offerings to demonstrate the value of a bachelor’s degree to students and their families. Through the university’s new dual-credit offerings and expanded residential Summer Leadership Academy, high school students can get a jump-start on discovering their professional path and personal calling before committing to a college or declaring a major. These experiences provide both preview of what’s to come, and an early familiarity with the power of a Mount Mary education.

Students can earn college credit

This fall, Mount Mary is offering 10 dual-credit classes, which allow high school students the option to take college-level courses. These students earn credits that count toward both their high school degree and future bachelor’s degree, and at the same time get a sneak peek at the university experience before having to make their college decision.

Students in the 2021 Summer Leadership Academy learned an array of confidence-building skills, including self-defense.

Knowing that there were opportunities for curriculum enhancements at the high school level that Mount Mary could help to fill, Karen Friedlen, vice president for academic affairs, and Dave Wegener, vice president for enrollment services, reached out to several area high schools. Some schools, such as the Elmbrook School District, were seeking opportunities to offer enhanced content and expertise within their fashion, interior design and food science career exploration strands. Others, like Messmer High School, wanted to give students the benefit of earning credits toward both high school and college through their calculus and British literature classes, and Mount Mary is supporting these programs. Mount Mary’s resulting dual-credit enrollment program answers the unique needs of several high school partners, and exemplifies the university’s strength at offering immersive career exploration opportunities for pre-college students.

Mount Mary is partnering with a number of Milwaukee-area high schools, providing students with opportunities to earn college credit during high school.

COLOR CODE: Students take classes at Mount Mary: Brookfield Central, Hmong American Peace Academy Mount Mary classes held at high school: Messmer, St. Joan Antida Classes taught at both high school and Mount Mary: Brookfield East

Ashley Brooks, chair of the fashion department, welcomes dual degree-earning high school students into her class. All dual credit students on campus and off have access to Mount Mary student support services and academic resources.

Depending on the school’s particular arrangement, students may discern which path best fits their interests, skill sets and personalities, and oftentimes gain exposure to distinctive academic programs that are not offered at their high schools. In other instances, they earn college credit during high school that fills general education requirements accepted by most colleges and universities.

Students learn new subjects and more

Mount Mary’s “Fashion Concepts and Careers” class is a great match for the program, as the course provides a broad overview of the fashion industry and is required for all Mount Mary first-year fashion students. Students learn about career options, key business vocabulary, and sustainability concerns. Instructor Ashley Brooks felt confident from the start that the high schoolers would fit in well with their college peers and be able to manage the course load.

The Summer Leadership Academy really made me feel closer to becoming someone who will be able to make those important decisions as to what I want to do.

— EVA BILLEB 2021 SUMMER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

PARTICIPANT AND SOPHOMORE AT

HARTFORD UNION HIGH SCHOOL

“Since it’s a 100-level class, it’s not tremendously difficult. Students just have to keep up and pace themselves in order to succeed,” she said. “This class offers the high school students a great chance to practice the time management skills that are crucial at the university level.” Brooks reveals that her dual-credits students are often surprised by how many paths are available to them. They tend to think their career options with a fashion major are just designer or buyer, but this class illustrates how many directions are actually possible. Building this foundational knowledge before formally enrolling in college is invaluable, and saves students money and time, as these classes are paid for by each student’s school district.

Projects engage all

One of the most popular class projects involves researching fashion influencers from modern history, which mediasavvy high schoolers and college students appreciate. “We try to relate things in the industry to what high school and college students are already familiar with – and right now that’s the Instagram influencer,” Brooks said. “So I ask my students to research a 20th century influencer.” Students then create a visual presentation that details the era their fashion icon impacted, describes their signature look and reveals where their influence can still be seen today. “It’s important that they look to the past to understand fashion as well as being able to forecast future trends,” Brooks said.

“Our dual-credit students are highly motivated and engaged in class,” Brooks said. “They’re great contributors; it’s nice to have a mix of students in this class who are set on their future career goals and some who are still

Dual Credit at a Glance

HOW IT WORKS:

Students who enroll in a Mount Mary dual-credit class earn credit toward both their high school degree and their future bachelor’s degree.

SAVING TIME & MONEY:

Dual-credit students get an early start on earning college credit and their school district covers the cost of tuition and textbooks.

LOCATION LOGISTICS:

Some classes are held on Mount Mary’s campus and some are held at the student’s high school. Classes that are taught at the high schools are carefully reviewed to ensure that the course curriculum and faculty credentials meet higher education requirements. All dual-credit students become familiar with Mount Mary student resources through an orientation experience.

Explore WHAT'S POSSIBLE 2022 Summer LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 2022 Summer CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS... The Summer Leadership Academy will bring together up to LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 100 high school girls from across the U.S. to Mount Mary University for a residential college-prep, career exploration and leadership program. Jump start your college experience and earn two college credits upon completion!

June 19-24, 2022|Sunday-Friday 6-day, 5-night residential program

Immersive personal development and career exploration sessions led by Mount Mary faculty and staff alongside Milwaukee business leaders provide a leadership experience like no other!