It’s time for Page Two: News that might not make the front page for Thursday, November 6, 2025.
This installment looks at how students can get college credit through CTE Dual Enrollment, Mat-Su Middle College and dual enrollment classes. Here are the prior posts:
Thur. Oct. 16: What’s a Hybrid Course Anyway?
Page 2 Oct. 23: Course Sharing Expands Options for Students
Page Two Oct. 30: iTech – Flexible & Connected
CTE Dual Enrollment allows students to earn both high school and college credit at the same time through Career and Technical Education courses from UAA. The District’s partnership with the University of Alaska Anchorage began about 20 years ago, when the program was known as Tech Prep.
Director of Career and Technical Education Tyler Gilligan said 131 dual enrollment courses are being offered this fall. Students can enroll in several ways. For example, students can enroll in Firefighter I and II as a CTE concentrator course, a dual enrollment class, or a course share.
Gilligan noted that hybrid courses at Mat-Su Central and iTech courses are not part of the agreement with UAA and therefore are not eligible for dual enrollment or college credit.
CTE dual enrollment courses are open to all students in the District through course sharing.
The courses are taught by Mat-Su instructors. There are no separate college admission requirements for students or additional credentials required for teachers. Although some classes have prerequisites, any student can register and pay course fees. The college credit itself is free for Mat-Su students.
Completed courses appear on both high school and UAA transcripts.
Mat-Su Middle College, which opened in 2016, is another way students can earn college credit while in high school.
Principal Greg Giauque said the main difference is that Middle College students take classes taught by college professors at the Mat-Su College campus.
Middle College is open to juniors and seniors who meet UAA placement scores in English or math. Sophomores who qualify in both subjects are also eligible. Students who don’t meet placement scores take high school level courses—such as English or algebra—on site with district teachers.
Giauque said 229 students are enrolled in the Middle College this year. As with dual enrollment, the district covers college tuition. A three-credit college course equals one year of high school credit.
Because Middle College follows a college schedule, district transportation is not provided. About 10 percent of students graduate with 60 college credits, the equivalent of an associate degree.
Students can stay connected to their home schools by participating in sports or joining course share electives such as band, music, drama, or JROTC.
CTE Dual Enrollment and Middle College join hybrid learning, course sharing, and iTech as part of the district’s flexible learning options.
There is an open house about the proposed Jonesville Shooting Range today at the Sutton Elementary School Gym. You can drop by anytime between 5:00 and 7:30 p.m. to learn about the project. You can also share your knowledge of current conditions of the area and your thoughts about the initial plans for the shooting range.
Roland Roberts plays in the Upstairs Lounge at the Palmer Ale House tonight from 6 – 9 p.m. as part of their of the winter live music series.
It’s day two of our fall fund drive, Still Cabbage After All These Years. As of this morning we have made the $500 match from Dalrymple Law. Thank you everyone who donated!
The fund drive goes through Saturday, and we hope to raise $10,000. As of this morning we are approaching the half way mark of $5,000. We are grateful for any support you can provide. Just go to bigcabbageradio.org to donate. Thank you.
Page Two articles are written by Emily Forstner and Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
Please support Page 2 News. Donate today at bigcabbageradio.org.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
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