Hamilton High School students now have an exciting new opportunity to earn college credits at no cost through a unique Early College partnership with Hope College. The program, designed for students interested in pursuing careers in education, allows participants to complete three years of college coursework which includes a “13th year,” while still being connected to Hamilton High School.
“This program started with a vision to expand early college opportunities while keeping students engaged in face-to-face learning,” said Mat Rehkopf, Hamilton Community Schools Director of Career, College, and Innovative Programming. “We wanted students to not only earn college credits but also gain hands-on experience in real classrooms, preparing them for their future careers.”
For the first cohort, five high school juniors are participating, enrolled in classes at Hamilton High School but also at Hope College. Miguel Cerda, Jaelyn Montgomery, Lydia Nelson, Carter Sexton, and Cora Williams have all hit the ground running and are doing extremely well fitting into these college level classes. “The students have been incredibly responsible and committed,” said Hope College professor, Mr. John Yelding, who assisted in getting the program started. “They’re taking full advantage of this opportunity, and it’s amazing to watch their growth.”
While the jump to college classes can be a big jump as a high school junior, Yelding has been in constant contact with these students to ensure they are setup for success. “Hope College is fully invested in ensuring students are successful,” Yelding said. “We’re excited to support Hamilton students on campus, guide them through the college experience, and help them explore potential careers in education.”
The partnership benefits both institutions. Hamilton students receive college credits and career experience without the financial burden of tuition, while Hope College introduces prospective students to campus life and potential future educators. The program also addresses the statewide teacher shortage by giving students an early start in the field.
Rehkopf emphasized the collaborative nature of the program. “It’s all about creating opportunities for students. When they leave Hamilton, we want them to feel confident about their next steps. Whether they continue in education or choose a different path, they’ll have experiences and credits that help them succeed.”
Both Rehkopf and Yelding see this program as a model for future innovation. While it currently focuses on education, there’s potential for expansion into other fields, opening doors for even more Hamilton students to gain early college experience.
“This is more than just earning credits,” Rehkopf said. “It’s about preparing students for their futures, giving them experiences that matter, and showing them that opportunities are right in their backyard.”
