Devon Bramen is both a unicorn and a Yellow Jacket in a very special program. As the first student to graduate from MCC’s Early College Program as a senior, he will not only have his Associates Degree but will enter a 4-year college on the fast track one year before all Montcalm County Early College students of his age.
“Devon embodies the spirit of a life-long learner. Early Middle College is not an easy program, nor is it for every student, but Devon set the mark for the rest of Montcalm county in how to take advantage of accelerated learning while setting himself up for a successful future and career.” said an impressed Matt McCullough, Assistant Superintendent of Greenville Public Schools.
Most early college students graduate one year later than their High School Graduating class with an associate's degree. So how is it possible that Devon finished a full year ahead of schedule? In 10th grade, Devon started dual enrollment and GHS and MCC, getting him a good start on achieving college credits. Starting his Junior year, Devon applied for the Early College Program and was able to test out of high-school-level math, starting early college with college-level math courses. Skip forward to the end of Devon’s senior year, and he will be walking across two stages, receiving two diplomas. Having all of his college general education credits, a high school diploma, and an associate's degree, Devon, will start working on his bachelor's degree at Grand Valley State University with plans to major in math & education and minor in physics.
Devon found an interest in math around 2nd grade when a retiring teacher gave him a math computer game. “I thought the game was exciting, and I believe it helped me advance my math skills.” Devon states. Mrs. Edwards, an 8th-grade math teacher at Greenville Middle School, Devon credits with inspiring him to become a math teacher. “So many of my teachers at Baldwin Heights, GMS, and GHS provided great instruction. They showed a lot of care and made learning fun and enjoyable. I hope to carry that same excitement on and teach Calculus and Physics one day.” He said.
Dual enrollment is a free opportunity at Greenville Public Schools for students to receive college credits while attending high school.
At Early College, students benefit from a personalized learning environment that fosters the development of critical thinking skills within an innovative curriculum that promotes excellence in the fields of math, English, social studies, and science. Students will spend their entire school day at Montcalm Community College. Students have the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and up to 60 college credits tuition-free.
“If you are unsure what you want to do when you get out of high school, dual enrollment or early college programs helps you because you have college credits to get you started. It’s free college! If you don't do it now, you will have to pay for it. Keep your options open.” Devon said. “Greenville has programs for just about any career that you want to do. They will help you prepare for that career. Keep your options open while in High School because these programs will help you save money.”