BMCC signs articulation agreement

BAY MILLS — Bay Mills Community College is continuing to expand educational opportunities for tribal communities. BMCC has entered into an articulation agreement with Fond du Lac Tribal Community College (FDLTCC) in Cloquet, Minn. The agreement will allow Fond du Lac students to utilize their credits towards a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education at BMCC.

FDLTCC students can now transfer up to 60 credits to BMCC, allowing for a seamless transition into the ECE BS program. The two institutions have also agreed to communicate about further institutional opportunities that could be beneficial to students.

This is the second articulation agreement for the ECE program, which also works with students at Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College.

ECE is for students who are interested in working with young children, birth to eight years of age, and their families. Students acquire an understanding of developmental patterns in such areas as social and emotional development; language and literacy; and cognition, perceptual, motor, and physical development. They also acquire knowledge in parent engagement and attain necessary skills required to administer an early childhood program.

BMCC launched the ECE bachelor’s degree program in 2017, under the direction of Dept. Chair Sheryl Hammock. Since that time, 25 students have graduated from the program, from tribal nations across the country, with another 20 students on track to graduate in 2023.

“We are excited to welcome FDLTCC students. Our early childhood program(s) offer courses that intentionally explore early childhood best practices in tribal programs. The department prides themselves on providing relationship-based support to students to ensure their success as a student and as a future early childhood education professional,” said Hammock.

Hammock, and Heather Stelzer, assistant department chair/faculty member, welcome students to the BMCC EC community by supporting them along their journey. The school offers a variety of flexible support to meet the diverse needs of learners including free tutoring, interactive peer opportunities, as well as individualized support. In the long run, the partnership will help to provide more quality early learning experiences for future generations.

“BMCC is looking forward to this partnership with Fond du Lac Tribal Community College.  This is an opportunity to offer programming that will significantly impact the communities we serve.  An online ECE program allows one to meet the demands of training early childhood teachers in tribal communities throughout the US,” said BMCC President Duane Bedell. “This partnership will enable our communities to provide the best education to set a path of success for the next generation of leaders.”