HIGH SCHOOLS AND COLLEGE WORKING TOGETHER
FOR BETTERMENT OF STUDENTS

Lacey Geitzenauer was a sophomore at Sentral High School when she enrolled in her first college credit class.

With the encouragement of counselor Sandy Tigges and Iowa Lakes Community College Algona Campus Dean Trudy Kattner, she continued to take college credit classes the rest of her high school career. She graduated from Sentral High School in 2003 with a total of 21 college credits.

The College Prep Program at Iowa Lakes Community College allowed her to earn college credits and high school credits concurrently. Geitzenauer earned an Associate in Arts degree in 2005. In addition, she was named to the Second Team All-American Basketball Team by the National Junior College Athletic Association for 2005.

When asked about the advantage of participation in the College Prep program, she stated, “It gave me an opportunity to get the general study requirements out of the way so I could explore more of the career major classes.”

She plans to transfer to a university where she can play basketball and earn a baccalaureate degree in Sales and Marketing.

Geitzenauer has some advice to any high school student considering enrolling in College Prep classes.

“The college classes improved my time management. The transition to college was easier because I was used to college type classes and the expectations of the instructors,” Geitzenauer said.

College Prep classes are taught in the local high schools by instructors qualified to teach college level courses. The local school district and Iowa Lakes Community College partner to make these classes available to the students. This is an example of a partnership that offers quality opportunities to students.

“Another advantage to the student is the financial savings,” commented Sentral counselor Sandy Tigges. “The tuition, books and fees are paid by the local school district so there is no cost to the student.”

Students earn advance standing when they enroll in college and graduate to enter the job market sooner.

Additional information about Career Academy offerings and other programs at Iowa Lakes Community College may be obtained online at www.iowalakes.edu or by calling the nearest campus.