MEC FAQS

Early Middle College is a three-year high school/college program that provides the opportunity for students to earn a high school diploma along with an Associate Degree and/or up to 61 transferable college credits toward a Bachelor’s Degree. 


Mature students who are enrolling as sophomores in the MEC Program and are ready to take on the challenges of a high school experience that includes college coursework. Students are eligible if they meet the following criteria: 

  • Students who are entering 11th grade in the fall. 
  • Students who have a GPA of 2.5 or above.  
  • Students who are on track for graduation and do not need to make up credits.
  • Students with good attendance and behavior. Student attendance and discipline will be reviewed as a consideration for acceptance. 


Nothing! The Melvindale Early College Program covers tuition, books and fees for the student during the 11th, 12th and 13th year. The Melvindale Early College program does not cover the cost of courses that are not completed by the end of the 13th year OR courses that must be repeated for any reason. 

Students who do not finish all their required degree coursework by the end of the 13th year can continue to pursue their chosen degree, at their own cost. The Melvindale Early College program does not cover the cost of courses that are not completed by the end of the 13th year OR courses that must be repeated for any reason.  

Every effort is made to schedule students into all required courses; however, graduation requirements, dual enrollment options, direct credit options, student achievement, student extra-curricular activities and student employment are all factors in course scheduling. Students continuing on after the 13th year can apply for financial aid through WCCCD.



Students enrolling in the MEC attend Melvindale High School for five classes as sophomores, juniors and seniors and will enroll in two classes each semester at Wayne County Community College. During the 13th year, students attend the Wayne County Community College campus and will be integrated with the general student population. 


Students participate in commencement exercises and activities with their classmates; however, students do NOT receive their high school diploma until the end of the 13th year. Students designated as Melvindale Early College students are placed in a 5 year graduation cohort and are required to take and pass a math-related course in the 13th year to receive their high school diploma.

Yes. Melvindale Early College students can participate in athletics and other extra-curricular activities for which they are eligible at MHS during the 11th and 12th grade year. Students are not eligible to participate in athletics and other extra-curricular activities the 13th year.


Yes. Melvindale Early College students are required to satisfy both the State of Michigan’s and Melvindale High School's graduation requirements. The high school counselors work closely to ensure all students will be able to take the necessary courses within their combined high school and college schedules to meet those requirements.


It is the goal of the program to provide transportation to WCCCD in year 11. Year 12 depends on the student's classes. However, this is NOT guaranteed. Further information will become available as WCCCD classes are scheduled. Students must have their own reliable transportation in year 13 to and from WCCCD. 


The program is rigorous and designed for a motivated student who is committed to earning an associate’s degree. To complete the degree in the 13th year, students are scheduled for 12-15 credits hours per semester.


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