UWSP, MSTC expand Bridge program

From marshfieldherald.com: “UWSP, MSTC expand Bridge program” —  An expanded partnership between two central Wisconsin higher education institutions soon will give students additional opportunities to adjust to college life while they gain entrance into a four-year program, officials said.

Starting this fall, the Mid-State Technical College/University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Bridge program, which allows students who fall just short of meeting UWSP admissions requirements to take MSTC classes, will take place on the UWSP campus, said Beth Smith, associate dean of general education for Mid-State Technical College.

“The new idea and the thinking is the sooner students are acclimated to the UWSP campus and services and everything that a four-year campus entails, the better,” Smith said.

Courses previously took place on the Mid-State campus, but thanks to a decision last month by the MSTC District Board, students now will be able to attend classes on the university campus.

Created several years ago, the program allows as many as 30 participants to take MSTC courses — three in social sciences and one in communications — in order to achieve admission to the university, Smith said. They then can apply the 12 general education credits they earn toward their graduation.

This type of program is not unusual, with various other technical colleges and universities across the nation providing similar opportunities.

Both Mid-State and UWSP are able to identify potential program participants, who want to pursue a four-year degree but fall short of the requirements, Smith said. Most students in the program are recent high school graduates, as well as first-generation college students, she said. The 30 students attend the same classes as a group.

“They will be their own learning community,” she said. “This will also help them navigate this early part of their higher education.”