DEARBORN – Henry Ford Early College – a collaboration between Henry Ford Community College, Dearborn Public Schools and the Henry Ford Health System – will host its first commencement ceremony on May 10.
The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Forfa Auditorium, in the Andrew A. Mazzara Administrative Services and Conference Center.
Twenty-four students are graduating, 14 of whom will receive an associate’s degree in addition to a high school diploma. Ten other students have completed more than 40 college credits, thus providing them with a head start on their college careers.
Many graduates have been accepted at major four-year colleges and universities, including the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, Eastern Michigan University, Central Michigan University, and DePaul University in Chicago.
The achievement of these students “represents an important step toward a lifetime of success,” HFCC President Gail Mee said. “It also shows that through strong alliances between business and educational partners, we can make a significant difference in the lives of all students. We are thrilled to celebrate the first graduation of Henry Ford Early College.”
One of six Michigan “middle/early college” high schools announced in 2006 and initially funded by state grants, HFEC was launched in 2007. Its purpose is to prepare students for employment opportunities in the healthcare field.
Students can earn an associate’s degree or certificate in Pharmacy Technology, Physical Therapy Assistant, Radiographer, Respiratory Therapist, Surgical Technologist, Paramedic, Nursing, Ophthalmic Technician, Medical Practice, Biotechnology, or Science.