Angola High School partners with Manchester University for dual credit physics program

In a recent meeting held at the MSD Steuben County Board, excitement filled the air as members discussed a promising new partnership with Manchester University. This collaboration aims to enhance educational opportunities for high school students by offering dual credit physics courses at no cost. The board highlighted that they have exhausted their traditional dual credit partners for physics, making this partnership a significant step forward.

A licensed physics teacher at Angola High School is currently pursuing additional graduate coursework to qualify as a dual credit instructor for Manchester. This arrangement allows students to earn dual credit while learning from their own in-house instructor, eliminating tuition and enrollment fees. The board expressed enthusiasm for this initiative, emphasizing its potential to benefit students without financial barriers.

In addition to the dual credit physics program, the board reported that over 30 dual credit courses are already being taught by local instructors. Students can earn the Indiana College Core, which consists of 30 credits equivalent to a freshman year of general studies, recognized by all public universities in Indiana. However, the transferability of additional courses may vary depending on the student's major and the university they attend.

The meeting also addressed the new graduation requirements for the class of 2029, specifically the need for a digital foundations course. The board proposed applying for a non-standard course waiver, suggesting that photography classes could fulfill this requirement. This innovative approach reflects the board's commitment to adapting educational offerings to meet evolving standards while leveraging existing resources.

As the meeting concluded, the board unanimously approved the memorandum of understanding with Manchester University, marking a significant milestone in their efforts to expand dual credit opportunities for students. With these initiatives, MSD Steuben County is poised to enhance educational pathways, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future endeavors.