K–12 report: Mid State sees rise in dual credit, 20% high-school transition rate and expanding youth apprenticeships

The board received the K–12 annual report from Jackie Esselman and was introduced to Patrick Neuwenfeld, the college’s new director of K–12 relations.

Jackie told the board Mid State’s focused strategy raised the high-school transition rate to 20% (a 3-point increase from the prior year) and described the class of 2025 direct-admission numbers: 1,806 students accepted to Mid State, 560 committed to attend, and about 395 who had already enrolled — a roughly 71% conversion rate among those who said they were coming. "We have reached 20% high school transition rate," Jackie said.

The report showed a 25% increase in dual-credit participation from 2022 to 2025 and cited more than $2,000,000 in tuition savings granted to high-school students who took Mid State dual-credit classes. Jackie also outlined academy programs (health career, construction trades, fire, customer-relationship academies) and said the college had begun youth apprenticeship programming, serving 90 youth apprentices across seven high schools; apprentices earn state credentials and on-the-job experience.

Board members asked operational questions about youth apprenticeship scheduling and hours. Jackie explained apprentices must be juniors or seniors and complete either 450 hours (one-year) or 900 hours (two-year) of on-the-job training, plus related instruction at the high-school or college level. The board praised the K–12 team’s partnership work and noted the financial implications of expanded dual-credit participation for college tuition revenues.