NICC reps give update

Cresco - Three representatives from Northeast Iowa Community College gave Howard-Winneshiek school board members an update on the benefits of having the Cresco Center available to students and the public.

At the regular meeting on Nov. 19, Cassie Lichty, Director of the Cresco Center; Missy Hvitved, High School Career Specialist; and Katie Gilbert, Director of High School Partnerships explained concurrent enrollment.

NICC works in partnership with How-Winn to allow students to get dual credits for certain classes. The students get high school credit as well as college credits, enabling them to get a leg up on college or giving them skills to be used in the work force.

There is little or no cost to the students to take the classes. —another win for families and students alike.

Classes are held at Crestwood High School, NICC-Cresco and online/hybrid.

In the 2017-2018 school year, 206 students were able to receive 1,711 concurrent credits, as well as 50 Placement In College Credits (PICC). Concurrent classes are usually available to large groups of students, whereas the PICC credits are for specialty classes, such as criminal justice. In that one school year, the college saved members of the district nearly $1 million — $980,489.

Hvitved noted there are a large number of courses available to mostly junior and senior students. Some talented and gifted students under 11th grade are also eligible.

Courses in the Arts & Sciences section include Communications, Humanities, Social Science, Science and Student Development. In the Career & Technical Pathways course, subjects include Early Childhood Education, Business, Construction, Project Lead the Way, Agriculture, Health, Welding and CNC (Computer Numerical Control).

Gilbert noted, “That is a large list for your district. You should be proud of that.”

Lichty explained, “Classes can be used as exploratory.” She gave the example of a student who was absolutely sure what he wanted to do after graduation. He took a class in that field and another field. He found he liked the other career choice.

Besides the above benefits, students receive college-level study skills, communication skills, knowledge of and exposure to the college process and success in post-secondary education.

The college doesn’t just serve high school students. There are also courses, specialty classes and services available to the general public. Lichty said the computer lab can be used by anyone. Many times individuals go there to print items and look up jobs.

Look NICC up online at https://www.nicc.edu/ or call them at 563-547-3355.