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Michigan Early Middle College Association

Oakland ACE: Accelerated College Experience
Oakland ACE: Accelerated College Experience
Oakland ACE: Accelerated College Experience
Oakland ACE: Accelerated College Experience
Oakland ACE: Accelerated College Experience
Oakland ACE: Accelerated College Experience
Oakland ACE: Accelerated College Experience
Oakland ACE: Accelerated College Experience
Oakland ACE: Accelerated College Experience
Oakland ACE: Accelerated College Experience

Early Middle College

An early middle college (EMC) is a Michigan Department of Education approved five-year program of study. EMCs work closely with postsecondary partners to provide students with an opportunity earn a high school diploma and one or more of the following:  

  • 60 transferable college credits 
  • An associate degree 
  • A professional certification
  • The Michigan Early Middle College Association (MEMCA) technical certificate
  • Participation in a registered apprenticeship

A professional certification is any certificate or industry recognized credential in which the pupil prepared for by taking course work provided by a Michigan public or private college or university.

The above information is from The Michigan Department of Education website. 

Michigan Early Middle College Association

The design principles of MEMCA are:

College-focused academic program: Schools implement comprehensive, standards-based curricula that provide a bridge to postsecondary studies and incorporate both high school and college coursework.

Student academic and social/emotional support: Supports are offered to all students to meet their academic, social and emotional needs in high school and in the transition to college.

High school/college collaboration: High schools and colleges take joint responsibility for students’ educational success and establish structures that permit high school students to take college courses.

Culture of continuous improvement: High schools and colleges engage in evidence-based discussions to continuously improve students’ experiences and outcomes.

Four pillars of early middle college
ACE Logo; Accelerated College Experience

Meet 2023 Grads

Click the pictures to hear more from them.

OCC 2023 Grads: Ainsley Rahm
Ainsley Rahm

“The past few years have been really hard, but it’s been great getting to know everyone and being a part of the ACE community at OCC. I had no idea what ACE was going to be like, and it looks like going to OCC turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made.”

OCC 2023 Grads: Hope Pacheco
Hope Pacheco

“OCC has provided me with a better education, and I have been able to learn what college is like at a younger age than most people. I appreciate the impact OCC has had on me, and I understand what classes will be like when I transfer to a university.”

OCC 2023 grads: Kimberly Campbell
Kimberly Campbell

“At OCC, I learned to take advantage of any opportunity because you never know what can come out of it or who you may meet. It’s so important to branch out, even if you are uncertain or nervous. I came to OCC as a high school student not sure about much, and I’m leaving with more knowledge both from inside the classroom and outside of it.”