Midland students and staff describe Early Middle College program and certificates
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Summary
Teachers and students presented the Early Middle College (EMC) five-year program — partnered with Davenport, Delta and Northwood — highlighting pathway options for associate degrees and industry certificates and reporting about 93 students across cohorts.
Midland Public Schools staff and students presented details of the district—s Early Middle College (EMC) program, a five-year option approved by the Michigan Department of Education that lets students earn college credits and, in some pathways, an associate degree or industry-recognized certificates.
Jennifer Layman, a Life 101/102 teacher at Jefferson Middle School, and Tanya Lambert described a unit called "World on Your Plate," and then shifted to the districtwide EMC overview. EMC administrators said program partners are Davenport University, Delta College and Northwood University. Administrative staff described program configuration: a five-year route (a 13th year) allowing students to earn up to 60 transferable credits or complete industry certifications and apprenticeships. The district is pursuing MEMCA (Michigan Early Middle College Association) certification for its EMC readiness curriculum and wraparound services.
Senior student Lily Dice told the board the EMC "changed my life," saying the program saved money and accelerated her path toward an associate—s degree and certificates (phlebotomy and CNA) that could allow immediate employment after graduation. "It has truly changed my life," Lily said, and described how counselors and an individualized spreadsheet helped map remaining electives and certificates that align with Delta College course offerings.
Administrators said roughly 93 students are enrolled across three cohorts (cohort counts were discussed as 93 total), and they outlined supports including an early-warning attendance message from Delta, increased counseling connections and planned parent information nights (Dow and Midland combined informational night scheduled). Board members asked about NCAA eligibility; EMC staff said the program generally does not affect four-year high school eligibility and noted pathways for junior-college petitions and withdrawal options.
Next steps described by administrators included seeking MEMCA certification, examining career and technical education integrations (welding, auto tech) with partners and piloting additional wraparound supports such as a meal program and mentoring for students attending college classes as part of EMC.
