College Now began as a partnership between the Denison Area League of Schools in 1992. Denison Community School wanted to work with Western Iowa Tech Community College to provide additional educational opportunities for it's students. Originally, students had four semesters of sequential learning in college level courses in their chosen career path (such as Auto Body Collision Repair). This enabled students to get a head start on their education and their career.

During the 1992-1993 school year, four new vocational programs were offered to 57 students in the Denison Area League of Schools. The courses included Auto Body Repair, Auto Mechanics, Drafting Fundamentals, and Welding.

The success of this program was quickly realized throughout area schools.  During the fall of 1996, the Cherokee Area League of Schools and the Sac-Ida League of Schools were formed. Both Leagues began to offer college credit courses to their junior and senior high school students. In 1996 there were 80 students enrolled in these two Leagues. In 1997, the partnerships expanded to include the Siouxland Area League of Schools, and the Plymouth Area League of Schools. The number of students enrolled in College Now classes in the fall of 1997 from all five Leagues was 662.

Currently, College Now has partnerships with 32 schools in five Leagues. College Now courses offered at area high schools consist of both vocational and arts and science courses. Many schools offer general education classes that are transferrable to most four year colleges. Classes such as Composition I, Western Civilization, and Calculus are offered for college credit in some schools. College Now also offers students additional educational opportunities through PSEO (Post Secondary Enrollment Options) courses. PSEO courses are any regular course offered at any WIT campus or online. In the fall of 2008, the total number of students participating in College Now classes was 2036!

The significant increase in college credit offerings and enrollments in all College Now courses demonstrates high school students' interest and need for advanced educational opportunities. College Now is able to share resources, facilities, instructors, and expertise through these partnerships. For information on how to register for College Now courses, contact your high school counselor today!

Contact your high school counselor today!