Academy concept, choosing a college, paying for college & earning industry-recognized credentials Info
Help your child choose educational & career pathways for all the right reasons.
The Academies
The TigerPath Academies at Hutchinson High School emphasize small learning communities with a career focus – it’s about better connecting education with the real world.
TigerPath is designed to do just that: making learning much more integrated, experiential and hands-on. It’s education with more real-life applications so students know why they’re learning. “Degrees” are not enough – what’s needed in the 21st century are skills.
TigerPath provides students with skills and experience that can translate into rewarding careers in high-demand, high paying fields.
Rethinking the College Decision-Making Process
Often today the college decision-making process is backwards: (1) pick a school, (2) try to figure out a major and (3) hope you can find a job that somehow connects with that major.
Instead, decisions about college should start by considering the question, “What do I want to be?” From there, find the right educational program that gets you there. Finally, determine the best school that provides the education you need. For a fuller explanation, check out the video!
Saving Money on College
Skyrocketing college costs and mounting student debt are major concerns for families today.
But there is hope!
TigerPath offers two concrete ways for families to dramatically cut of cost of getting a college education and greatly reduce – maybe even eliminate – student debt.
- FREE COLLEGE CREDIT is available for the work students are already doing at Hutchinson High School. Depending on their program, students can complete a large portion of their college education while in high school. Through a process called “articulation,” students can get college credit for free. Visit the website to discover the areas where free college credit is available. Each free credit saves you on average $160 in tuition.
- RECONSIDER YOUR STARTING POINT – Tuition and fees at Ridgewater College and other two-year schools are considerably less than at four-year universities (see graphic below).
Students can gain a marketable skill first, or complete their general education requirements, at a two-year college and use that as a springboard for further education if they choose.
Having a marketable skill provides immediate access to high-paying, high-demand jobs – and provides a fallback position if it’s ever needed.
Credits earned at a two-year college typically will transfer to a four-year university (but check with your school to be sure). If you decide to pursue a higher degree, you can do it while working in your chosen field. Many times employers will help cover the costs of further education.
By reconsidering your starting point, you can save thousands of dollars on your education, gain a marketable skill and greatly reduce or even eliminate student debt.
Industry Recognized Credentials
TigerPath also allows students to earn industry-recognized credentials that employers are looking for.
Right now, Hutchinson High School students can earn credentials that will give them an edge when it comes time to start their career.
These include:
- Certified Production Technician, from the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC)
- Certified Welder, from the American Welding Society (AWS)
- (Various credentials), from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)
With careful planning, Hutchinson High School students can graduate not only with a high school diploma but also with industry-recognized credentials that can help them land that first job and free college credits giving them a big head start on their education.
College 1-2-3
Students can complete a significant part of their college degree right at Hutchinson High School (and save a lot of money) through College 1-2-3.
Students start by taking one college or advanced course the first year, then build their college readiness by adding additional courses when their ready.
The savings can add up quick!
For example, 12 college credits taken for free at Hutchinson High School saves nearly $2,000!
Check out the video at left, which has the details.
Contact us for any questions or feedback you may have.
Email Andrea, the TigerPath Coordinator ›
