(12/20/2023) A partnership between Anoka-Hennepin’s Secondary Technical Education Program (STEP) and Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ARCC) provides high school juniors and seniors a way to earn college credit while pursuing their diplomas through a program called College Now.

How it works: Students combine Post Secondary Education Option (PSEO) and Concurrent Enrollment courses that fulfill 4.0 credits for high school graduation requirements and at the same time earn 16 Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) college credits from ARCC.

• MnTC credits are transferable to any Minnesota State College or University and the University of Minnesota, in addition to other institutions, with a grade of a C or higher in the course.
• College credits may also be applied towards completion of the MnTC or an Associate of Arts (AA) Degree at ARCC.
• All classes, including PSEO classes, are taken at STEP in a cohort model with high school peers.
• Students who participate in College Now both junior and senior year can earn up to 8.0 high school credits and 32 Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) college credits at ARCC.

Why it matters: With the rising cost of higher education, College Now can deliver over $5,000 in tuition value, allowing students who participate in both 11th and 12th grades to enter college with a full year of college credit before they receive their high school diploma. College Now is provided at no additional cost to students.

Go deeper: Contact Alyssa Zemple, STEP Counselor at alyssa.zemple@ahschools.us or review this informational flyer for details.