Choosing Your Pathway

Did you know your Montgomery Public Schools scholar can earn college credits and industry credentials before they even cross the graduation stage—often at little to no cost? But with options like Early College, Dual Enrollment, CTE Dual Enrollment, and Move On When Ready, how do you know which path is right for your student?

In this episode of Stronger Together: The MPS Podcast, we sit down with three district experts to break down the barriers, costs, and eligibility requirements for each program. Whether your child wants to graduate with an associate degree, jump-start a four-year university track, or step straight into a high-demand career, this episode serves as your ultimate roadmap.

Transcript

SPEAKER_03 0:03

Welcome to Stronger Together, the MPS Podcast. Our schools, our communities, our future in conversation. Here, we bring you real stories, important conversations, and powerful insights from across Montgomery Public Schools. From the classroom to the community, we're exploring the people, partnerships, and possibilities shaping the future of our students. Because when it comes to education, we're not just building schools. We're building futures. And together, we are stronger. Welcome back to Stronger Together, the MPS Podcast. Our schools, our communities, our future in conversation. I'm your host, Monet Stevens, Marketing and Community Development Manager for Montgomery Public Schools. Now, this episode is all about expanded pathways to dual enrollment. MPS offers incredible opportunities for our scholars to earn college credit before they graduate high school. But many parents wonder what's the difference between early college, dual enrollment, CTE dual enrollment, and move on when ready. And to help us break it all down, I'm joined by three experts today. We have Dr. Miranda Bissou, Director of Career Technical Education and Workforce Development, Dr. Mickey Crenshaw, the education specialist for college and career readiness, and Miss Ashley Hardy, the Director of School Counseling. Thank you for joining me, ladies. Thank you for having us.

SPEAKER_00 1:34

Thank you.

SPEAKER_03 1:35

So for the parents hearing these programmed names for the first time, can you briefly explain the differences between early college dual enrollment, CTE due enrollment, and move on ready? Seems like a mouthful.

SPEAKER_01 1:49

Well, I'll start with dual enrollment because that's the umbrella and they all fall under dual enrollment. Dual enrollment allows high school students to take college courses while still in high school. If the student passes the course with a C or better, they earn both high school and college credit at the same time. Early College at Trentum is a dual enrollment pathway program that enables students to earn their associate's degree and complete their high school requirements simultaneously.

SPEAKER_02 2:21

Move On When Ready is designed for eligible juniors and seniors who are ready to take the next step academically. Students accepted into the program attend college full-time rather than their traditional high schools each day. Although they remain enrolled at their high school and graduate with their senior class, they complete their daily coursework through participating colleges and universities as a full-time student. This allows them to earn both high school and college credits at the same time while experiencing the expectations and independence of college before high school graduation. Move on when ready is an excellent option for students who have demonstrated academic readiness and are committed to pursuing higher education.

SPEAKER_00 3:11

I'll piggyback off of what my two colleagues have just said. When it comes to CTE dual enrollment, it's very similar. Students can earn both college credits and high school credits at the same time while earning some short-term certificate in a career technical education field. And so this really prepares our students on day one after graduation to be able to transition very smoothly into the workforce.

SPEAKER_03 3:38

That's great. So let's start with early college and dual enrollment. Dr. Crenshaw, what type of student do you think is going to be best fit for this program?

SPEAKER_01 3:47

I think for both early college and dual enrollment, a good fit would be a student who is mature, motivated, organized, and likes to challenge themselves. Someone that's independent and a self-starter and is motivated to work on their own.

SPEAKER_03 4:07

And Dr. Bissou, for students who are interested in hands-on careers or industry credentials, how does CTE do enrollment help them get ahead before graduation?

SPEAKER_00 4:18

Let me just begin by saying I absolutely love talking about this program because it gives students a chance to get ahead on their future while they're still in high school. Through our partnership, currently with Trentum State Community College, students can earn both high school and college credit while exploring exciting career pathways like computer information systems, automotive services, child and human development, hospitality management, and medical assisting technology. What I really love is that students just aren't reading about these careers, they're actually experiencing them. They're taking real college classes, learning hands-on skills, building confidence, and discovering what they enjoy. By the time our students graduate, they're already one step ahead, whether they decide to continue on to college, earn more certificates, or go straight into a great career.

SPEAKER_03 5:10

It sounds like opportunities that we wish we had when we were in school. Definitely. Now, Ms. Hardy, let's talk about Move On When Ready. What makes makes this program unique compared to the other three?

SPEAKER_02 5:23

Well, Move On When Ready is unique because it allows students to explore academic interests, accelerate their college progress, and experience college-level coursework without committing to a separate high school program. Students may use these courses to satisfy high school graduation requirements and earn transferable college credits at the same time.

SPEAKER_03 5:48

Now, real quick, the eligibility requirements are going to vary across these programs. So let's quickly explain the requirements for each one. We'll start with CTE due enrollment.

SPEAKER_00 6:00

Good news for our students that to get started is pretty simple. Students must be in grades 10 through 12 and have at least a 2.0 GPA. They also have to meet Trentum State's admissions requirement and have approval from their parents or guardians and their principal at the time of when they make application. Since these are real college classes, students should be ready to work hard and stay committed, but families don't have to figure everything out on their own. Our school counselors are here to walk parents and students through every step of the way, from applying to registering for classes. We encourage families to ask questions, explore the different programs, and choose the pathway that best fit for their child's future.

unknown 6:44

Ms.

SPEAKER_02 6:44

Hardy? So the move on when ready eligibility requirements are pretty extensive. Students must be an incoming 11th or 12th grade students. They must have attended an Alabama public high school during the previous school year, must have a minimum unweighted cumulative GPA of a 3.25 on a 4.0 scale. They must meet all admission requirements of the participating Alabama Public College or University. They must complete the district and college application process by all established deadlines. They must receive approval from the school principal as well as the school counselor before enrolling. They must participate in required counseling with students, the parents, and the school counselor. And the parents must sign a program agreement form.

SPEAKER_03 7:40

And to even clarify, they won't be able to participate in any high school activities.

SPEAKER_02 7:44

No, so that's the caveat. Students who participate in the Move On When Ready program cannot participate in any extracurricular activities, including sports, prom. However, they can return for the high school graduation.

SPEAKER_03 8:00

That's good to know. Now, Dr. Crenshaw, talk about the eligibility requirements for early college.

SPEAKER_01 8:06

For early college, um, everything they said about meeting the eligibility requirements for Montgomery Public Schools and the attending college, which is Trentum, um, they must also be 10th graders and they must have a minimum unweighted 3.0 GPA.

SPEAKER_03 8:24

So, Dr. Bissou, many families are surprised to learn that these opportunities are available at little to no cost. Can you explain the financial benefits of CTE dual enrollment and why it's such a valuable investment?

SPEAKER_00 8:37

This is one of my favorite questions to answer. Um, I often get asked, how much is this going to cost me? And so, through our partnership again with Trentum State, tuition, books, and fees for approved CTE dual enrollment courses are free. They're covered. We even provide transportation to and from the college campus. And so this is an incredible investment into our students, and it removes many of the financial barriers parents would often worry about. I always tell parents: imagine your child graduating from high school with college credits already completed, real experience in their chosen career field, and a clearer vision of their future. That's exactly what CTE dual enrollment is designed to do.

SPEAKER_03 9:21

And it's pretty all the programs are pretty accessible as well. There's not really much of a cost to it except for transportation for uh early college and uh Move On and Ready, right? That's correct. Okay, perfect. Now, Dr. Crenshaw, besides earning college credit, what skills can students gain through early college that prepare them for success after high school?

SPEAKER_01 9:46

I think most importantly, students um learn to manage their time and develop a sense of independence. They also learn what the expectations are in a college environment, which will serve them when they move on to another college or into their careers.

SPEAKER_03 10:03

And so, Ms. Hardy, these are college-level courses for move on ready, just like in CTE do enrollment and early college. You know, what should families honestly consider before deciding their student is ready for these programs?

SPEAKER_02 10:18

Sure. Before applying, families should honestly consider whether their student is prepared for the academic rigor and independence of full-time college coursework. So, families, ask yourself these questions. Is my student academically prepared? College courses move at a much faster pace than high school and require strong reading, writing, critical thinking, and study skills. Is my student emotionally mature? College students are expected to advocate for themselves, solve problems independently, and interact in an adult learning environment. And lastly, is my student self-motivated and responsible? College professors expect students to manage assignments, meet deadlines, communicate independently, and seek help when needed.

SPEAKER_03 11:12

And ladies, I know there are some students who are straddling the fence right now. They're unsure what pathway they should take because they meet all the requirements for all programs. What would you say to that student if they are still trying to figure out which pathway is best for them?

SPEAKER_00 11:32

So my advice is simple. Start with a conversation. Students, think about what excites you. What are you passionate about? What kind of work you see yourself enjoying every day? Parents, talk to your child about their interest and don't be afraid if you don't have all the answers yet. Then connect with your school counselor. We are here to help students explore their options and find their pathways that are right for them. You don't have to have your entire future figured out today. You just have to be willing to take the first step, and that's the application process.

SPEAKER_01 12:05

Awesome. Yeah, I was going to say that they can also, in doing their research, start on the MPS dual enrollment webpage. There's a program guide there. There are links to the different colleges and universities so they can see what the requirements are, and just information they can call the colleges and the contacts at the colleges to ask specific questions about their schools.

SPEAKER_02 12:29

I would encourage students to meet with their counselors to help them explore their interests, review graduation requirements, discuss career and college goals, and to determine which pathway best aligns with their future plans. That's really great advice.

SPEAKER_03 12:47

So I would ask this question, it's the last question. What is the biggest misconception about your program?

SPEAKER_01 12:56

For me, I think the biggest misconception about early college is that students need to be perfect and have their futures mapped out in order to be successful. Trentum offers two pathways. One is in business administration, which is great for those who are interested in entering the business sector, but they also have a general education pathway which explores various careers and career pathways. And so by the time they finish in that pathway, they may have their future mapped out.

SPEAKER_02 13:30

I believe the biggest misconception of move on when ready, many families think strong grades alone determine the success in the Move On When Ready program. However, success also requires maturity, time management, and personal responsibility.

SPEAKER_00 13:49

And I think the biggest misconception there is out there about career technical education is that it's only for students who are not planning to go to college. That's simply not true. Today's career tech education is for students who want options. You can earn college credit, gain valuable career skills, earn industry credentials, and continue on to a two-year or four-year college if that's your goal. Career tech education does not limit opportunities, it creates them. Absolutely.

SPEAKER_03 14:22

Well, thank you, Dr. Bisu, Dr. Crenshaw, and Ms. Hardy for helping families better understand the outstanding opportunities available through Montgomery Public Schools. Whether your student wants to earn an associate's degree, prepare for a high-demand career, or get a jump start on a four-year university, there's a pathway specifically designed to help them succeed. Now, to learn more about early college dual enrollment, CTE dual enrollment, or move on when ready, contact your child school counselor or visit the Montgomery Public Schools website. Thanks for joining us for Stronger Together, the MPS podcast. Our schools, our communities, our future in conversation. If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to share it with a friend. Follow us on social media, and check out our website at mps.k12.al.us. Together, we can keep building brighter futures for every student at Montgomery Public Schools. Until next time, remember, we are stronger together.