By Jennifer Fetterly
Madison College
Reyes Murillo graduated in June from both Madison East High School and Madison College, bringing a wealth of experience packed into his 18 years, thanks to an early college opportunity.
Reyes enrolled in Madison College’s NextGen Responders Academy as a junior, eager to receive hands-on training in fire, medical and emergency scenarios. Now he is a licensed Wisconsin firefighter and works part-time at the Oregon Fire Department.
Madison College has experienced a surge in early college participation, with students graduating from high school and earning an associate’s degree, certificate or college credit from Madison College simultaneously, saving students and their families almost $3 million in tuition costs. These early college programs encourage students, especially first-generation students, to try college with zero risk, as the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) pays tuition.
In the last academic year, 42 students from East High School and six students from Malcolm Shabazz City High School earned credits through early college programs, taking courses such as abnormal psychology, digital marketing, nursing, social media writing and workplace safety.
Murillo considers his experience at the NextGen Academy as the highlight of his high school years. His achievements as a licensed firefighter and a certified Emergency Medical Responder have significantly boosted his confidence and opened doors to further success in other areas of his life.
“Our Early College Academies are opening doors for students to explore their passions, earn college credit, and build real-world skills, all while still in high school,” said Cindy Green, MMSD’s assistant superintendent of strategy and innovation. “These programs are about more than academic acceleration; they’re about equity, opportunity and helping every student see a clear and attainable path to their future.”
Early college opportunities include dual-credit courses taught by qualified high school teachers at local colleges and universities. There are also the STEM Academy and the Education Academy, where students are full-time students on our campuses.
Teens can also elevate their education through Early College Academies or acquire skills in nursing, basic early childhood education, biotechnical laboratory support, emergency medical response, emergency medical technician field and more.
Students are motivated by the experience and discover a wide variety of possibilities, gaining a head start on a degree or career. Many early college students continue their education at Madison College, earning associate’s degrees or pursuing bachelor’s degrees through the college’s seamless University Transfers program.
With lower tuition, smaller class sizes, more support, and agreements with universities that allow Madison College students to enter as juniors into universities in Wisconsin and across the nation, a four-year degree that was once unattainable becomes a reality.
“Congratulations to Reyes and other MMSD students who are actively engaging with and completing the exciting opportunities available through the strong and growing partnership between Madison Metropolitan School District and Madison College,” says Audra Cook, Madison College early college partnership manager. “The students’ hard work and dedication are paving the way for a bright future. Well done.”
Northside teens are encouraged to meet with their guidance counselors and submit their Start College Now application to MMSD by the Oct. 1, 2025, deadline.
Learn more about Madison College Early College opportunities at madison
college.edu/academics/college-credit-in-high-school or contact the Madison College Early College staff at earlycol
lege@madisoncollege.edu.
