November is National Career Development Month, a reminder of how powerful early exploration can be in shaping a student’s future. At Moraine Park, that exploration starts long before graduation. Through strong dual enrollment partnerships with area high schools, students gain hands-on experiences that help them build confidence and discover potential career paths.
These dual enrollment opportunities give students a valuable head start, allowing them to earn college credit early and experience the Tech-driven learning that defines Moraine Park.
Dual and Transcripted Credit
Dual credit courses bring college-level learning directly into high schools, giving students the chance to earn both high school and college credit at the same time. During the 2024-25 academic year, 3,724 students participated in these courses, resulting in 6,253 enrollments and 15,707 college credits earned.
This early exposure helps students explore career paths, build confidence and reduce the time and cost of earning a degree.
Contracted Course Credits: College-Level Learning in High Schools
Moraine Park partners with districts to offer contracted courses, taught by Moraine Park faculty at the high school. These courses give students a firsthand look at college expectations while earning college credit. In 2024-25, 211 students enrolled in contracted courses, completing 220 enrollments and earning 521 credits.
Start College Now: Classes on Campus
Through the Start College Now program, high school students take Moraine Park courses taught by Moraine Park instructors on campus. This experience helps students immerse themselves in the college environment while gaining skills. In 2024-25, 249 students participated, enrolling in 566 courses and earning 1,501 credits.
Direct Enroll: Seamless Transition to College
Many students choose to continue their education at Moraine Park immediately after high school. In 2024-25, 347 students enrolled directly after graduation, continuing the momentum they built through dual enrollment programs.
Career Academies: Focused Career Pathways
High School Career Academies give students an early, hands-on start in fields like business, IT, health care and manufacturing. Each academy is a set of focused courses that build real skills and help students explore career paths long before graduation.
Students who complete all required academy courses earn a corresponding Moraine Park certificate or technical diploma—an advantage that can lead to better-paying jobs right out of high school or a faster start toward a degree at Moraine Park or one of our partner universities.
For students who aren’t ready to commit to a full academy, Moraine Park offers Career Experience events that provide an inside look at different fields. View upcoming Moraine Park Career Experience Events.
