Maranacook Community High School partnered with Thomas College June 22-26 to provide an intensive summer course, “Experiencing Diversity,” with Dr. Richard Biffle as the instructor, for 26 students in grades 10-12 for the 2015-16 school year. All students will receive three college credits, according to a news release from the high school.
In the class, students combined theoretical inquiry with hands-on experience to examine the impact of diverse global and U.S. cultures upon their communities and schools. This class was only offered to Maranacook students and did not cost the students anything, according to the release. All associated costs including transportation, tuition, books and lunch were paid for through Maranacook’s GEAR Up grant and through in-kind work from Maranacook staff and Thomas College, saving each student $2,300 (a cumulative of almost $60,000 for the 26 students). This is the first summer intensive course Thomas College has ever done for high school students and is part of the bigger dual enrollment partnership Maranacook and Thomas College, according to the release.
In the fall, Maranacook will offer 79 college credits through dual enrollment courses at the high school. This is accomplished through partnerships with many colleges including Thomas College, Kennebec Valley Community College, University of Maine at Augusta and St. Joesph’s College of Maine. Maranacook wants all its students to earn college credit, making college more accessible and affordable for all. Maranacook also is in the process of implementing a Certificate in French pathway with UMA and MCHS French teacher John Hirsch. All students who complete the requirements for this will be able to graduate Maranacook with approximately 20 college credits in French and with a Certificate in French from UMA, roughly equivalent to a minor concentration in French. Also in 2015-16, all students in the alternative education program at Maranacook will take KVCC’s AGR101: Principles of Sustainable Agriculture, with MCHS’s Alternative Education teacher Michael Dennett. Students will earn three college credits by successfully completing this course.
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