Minnesota Concurrent Enrollment Programs

Program Profile: Showcasing Excellence

Concurrent Enrollment at Minnesota State University, Mankato
Minnesota State University, Mankato is now in our sixth year of offering concurrent enrollment. Our concurrent enrollment program is part of the College of Extended Learning. We began a partnership with just one school six years ago, and now we are proud to be partnered with 11 high schools. We pride our concurrent enrollment program in providing excellent customer service to our partner schools and supplying high school students with a high quality learning experience.

Based on surveys sent to alumni of our concurrent enrollment program, 99% of the students who completed the survey were successful in transferring their Minnesota State Mankato concurrent enrollment credits to another institution. We are also delighted that many of our concurrent enrollment students continue their college education with us at Minnesota State Mankato after they graduate from high school. Lauren Stelten (see photo below), a former Chaska High School concurrent enrollment student, is one of them!

In July 2009, Minnesota State University, Mankato submitted our application for accreditation to the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP). NACEP ensures that participating students are held to the same academic standards as students at the university and our teachers are selected, trained, and continuously supported by university faculty. We look forward to hearing our accreditation results this spring.

Widespread Benefits
By participating in concurrent enrolment, high school students complete college requirements that allow for greater flexibility when they enter the university setting full-time. Many concurrent enrollment alums find they are able to pursue second majors, participate in study abroad opportunities, and internships. Not only do concurrent enrollment students get a step ahead of other entering freshman in terms of credits, but they also gain college-level skills from concurrent enrollment courses. Our courses challenge high school students to think critically, write academically and read analytically, preparing students for greater success in college.

Participating high schools reap the benefits of Minnesota State Mankato’s concurrent enrollment program, too. Partnerships developed between university faculty and high school teachers provide learning and training opportunities that may not otherwise exist. Additionally, by providing concurrent enrollment courses at the high school, schools are not seeing their leading students leave their high school campus to attend courses at the university. Finally, through participation in concurrent enrollment, high schools are establishing themselves as education leaders; setting high standards, providing outstanding offerings and positioning themselves to educate students in the 21st century.

Begin Concurrent Enrollment at Your School
We would like to take time to visit with you about our concurrent enrollment program at your high school. Our Concurrent Enrollment Coordinator is available to meet with you at your school, taking the commute out of the equation and making it easier for you. To learn more or begin concurrent enrollment at your school, please contact Karey Shearman at 507-389-2572.