WNC News & Notes: Classes offer teens a head start at college

High school students in western Nevada will become acquainted this spring with several opportunities to jumpstart their college degree. Western Nevada College staff will begin its spring visits to area high school students to introduce several options that allow students to prepare for or complete college classes while still in high school.

Tech Prep, dual credit and Fast Track classes all offer students the opportunity to establish their college and career paths while still in high school.

Admission to WNC and a high school authorization form is required prior to enrolling these classes.

Interested students are advised to work with their high school counselor to complete the process.

Tech Prep classes prepare students to enter the workforce in two years by providing a hands-on learning environment. Students can earn college credit for select courses taught at their local high school at no per-credit cost to the student. Tech Prep classes are available in accounting, automotive mechanics, business, computer office technology, construction, graphic communications, geographic information systems, management, welding, and more.

Carson High School students also may enroll in machine tool technology classes as part of a special dual credit opportunity funded by Carson High School scholarships.

With dual credit classes, high school students earn both college and high school credits simultaneously. Participating area high schools have worked closely with WNC to identify the classes that have been approved for dual credit.

Fast Track classes are offered via Internet or interactive video at a sharply discounted rate to high school students. Select anthropology, art, business, computer information technology, English, environmental studies, human development and family studies, psychology, mathematics, sociology, Spanish and theater classes are among the classes offered as Fast Track, making them available at the discounted rate.

For information, talk with a high school adviser, a WNC counselor at 445-3267 or a WNC Tech Prep outreach specialist at 445-3241.

Building a bridge

to success

WNC advisers are helping make the transition to college easier for high school seniors. "Bridge to Success" is a personalized program that assists graduating seniors at 14 area high schools with the WNC application for admission, financial aid, and class registration processes. Last year, the program worked with more than 600 area high school students to help them prepare for their first college semester.

According to WNC Coordinator of Student Outreach Katie Leao, "Bridge (to Success) continues to help more students each year. Our advisers and student ambassadors help students and their families with the admission process so that they are enrolled and ready to attend WNC in the fall."

"Bridge to Success" advisers will be at Carson High School and other area high schools starting in February in preparation for the fall semester.

Campus Connect lists spring events

WNC's Campus Connect student club has a series of events planned during the spring semester to help bring adult students together and enhance their college experience.

A Welcome Back event on Tuesday, Jan. 25 will reconnect returning club members and offer other adult students the opportunity to learn more about Campus Connect.

February events include a discussion with WNC President Carol Lucey on Tuesday, Feb. 15, and information about financial aid and scholarships on Tuesday, Feb. 22. Events are 12:15-1:15 p.m. in the Bristlecone Building lobby upper level, on the Carson City campus. New members are always welcome.

'Good Vibrations' on Valentine's weekend

The Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company is offering an opportunity for a fun Valentine's weekend with "Good Vibrations." The energetic musical revue plays Friday-Sunday, Feb. 11-13, at the Carson City Community Center.

It will evoke the memories and the sounds of classic hits like "Dancin' in the Street," "Love Potion Number Nine," and the hot new Glee version of "Lean on Me." Tickets are $18-$22 and are available at WNC Performing Arts Office: 445-4249.