Alcona High School Early College Coordinator Helen-Ann Cordes has been nominated for the prestigious Dr. Chery Wagonlander EMC Excellence in Practice Award, a statewide recognition that honors outstanding Early Middle College (EMC) practitioners across Michigan for their leadership, innovation, and contributions to student success.
The award recognizes secondary and postsecondary EMC professionals who demonstrate excellence in leadership, program implementation, and student support. Eligible nominees include administrators, counselors, coordinators, teachers, and college staff members who play a significant role in advancing Early Middle College opportunities throughout the state.
This year's award was presented to Robert Krueger, Monroe County Middle College Principal. While not selected as the statewide recipient, the nomination itself highlights the significant impact that Cordes has made in expanding and strengthening Alcona High School's Early College Program.
Since assuming leadership of the program in 2021, Cordes has helped transform Early College opportunities for Alcona students. One of her most notable accomplishments was securing a $10,000 grant from the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) to support the continued growth and accessibility of the program.
Under her leadership, Alcona's Early College Program has experienced remarkable growth. The program celebrated just five graduates in 2022 from the original cohort that applied in 2020 and is projected to reach 34 graduates by 2028, demonstrating increasing student interest and participation.
A unique component of Alcona's program is the weekly Early College Seminar held every Friday for 11th and 12th grade students. The seminar focuses on college success skills and serves as a bridge between high school and college expectations. Students receive guidance on topics such as time management, study strategies, communication with professors, financial literacy, and navigating college systems.
"Helen-Ann has created a program that is tailored to students' individual goals and aspirations," said Dan O’Connor, Alcona Community Schools Superintendent. "Students receive personalized support to ensure they can successfully transition from high school into college coursework while exploring career pathways that fit their interests."
Alcona's Early College Program provides students with the opportunity to earn substantial college credit while completing high school graduation requirements. Students can take more than 10 college courses during high school and may earn up to an associate degree. Through the program, students complete a fifth year of high school while attending college full-time. During that year, the school district covers standard tuition, course fees, and required textbooks. As a result, most students complete the program without incurring any college expenses, including those who earn an associate degree.
Another distinctive feature of the program is Alcona's network of higher education partnerships. Through memorandums of understanding with five colleges and universities, students have access to a wide variety of academic and career-focused programs. Partner institutions include: Alpena Community College, Bay Mills Community College, Kirtland Community College, Ferris State University, and Central Michigan University.
Alpena Community College serves as the cornerstone of Alcona's Early College Program and remains the primary higher education partner for Alcona Schools. Through this strong partnership, students have access to a wide range of college courses, degree pathways, and support services close to home. In addition, agreements with other institutions allow students to pursue specialized courses not offered through Alpena Community College, including courses in Cosmetology, Surgical Technology, and Sonography through Kirtland Community College; Early Childhood Education through Bay Mills Community College; Athletic Training and Filmmaking through Central Michigan University; and Hospitality and Cloud Computing through Ferris State University.
The flexibility of the program allows students to customize their educational experiences based on their career goals, interests, timelines, and priorities. Students can change their program of study as their interests evolve while continuing to receive personalized guidance and support.
Cordes set up an Early College informational display during Parent-Teacher Conferences to help better educate Alcona families about the continuing education opportunities available to students.
Cordes said, "As a graduate of Alcona High School, it is incredibly rewarding to return and help students explore their options for continuing education and career success. I enjoy sharing my own successes, mistakes, and lessons learned to help students make informed decisions about their futures.
One of my goals is to help change the perception that students must choose between college and the trades. Trade programs are college programs, and they provide students with valuable skills, industry-recognized credentials, and direct pathways to high-demand, well-paying careers. Through our strong partnership with Alpena Community College, students have access to exceptional programs right here in Northeast Michigan, including Utility Technology, Welding Technology, Automotive Technology, Concrete Technology, and more. It's exciting to see so many of our Early College students take advantage of these opportunities and graduate with both a high school diploma and a clear path toward a successful career."
She added, "I love being part of the Alcona Community Schools team and having the opportunity to give back to the school that helped shape who I am today. Alcona is a special place, and there is nothing more rewarding than helping students discover educational and career pathways that align with their interests, talents, and goals. Being able to show students that they can pursue those dreams close to home while saving time and money makes this work especially meaningful."
The nomination for the Dr. Chery Wagonlander EMC Excellence in Practice Award reflects the impact of Cordes’ dedication to expanding opportunities for Alcona students and ensuring they have access to affordable, meaningful pathways to college and career success.
As the program continues to grow, Alcona Community Schools remains committed to providing innovative educational opportunities that allow students to earn college credentials, reduce the cost of postsecondary education, and confidently pursue their goals beyond high school. Alcona Community Schools encourages all students to consider applying for Early College during their 10th grade year. For more information about the Early College Program, please contact Helen-Ann Cordes at cordesh@alconaschoos.net or 989-736-8534.