College Announces Pilot Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood - Middle Education

Submitted by Louise K Waakaa’igan

Advancement Coordinator

LCO Ojibwe College

Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College (LCOOC) is excited to announce its recent application submission to the Higher Learning Commission for the newly developed Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood – Middle Education.

President Swagger has said, “This degree is very important to our people because we need to prepare our future generations for the challenges that await us. A strong teachers education degree program will be a great starting point for those changes to take place. I especially want to thank our college team and consultants that are helping to make this program a reality. This is an example of why we wake up every day and show up. We’re here to serve our people. You can see noticeable improvements and that is encouraging.”

Graduates of Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Colleges’ Associate’s in Early Childhood will be offered priority admission for the spring 2022 semester.

Federal Student Aid is not available to students for these pilot courses. However, Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College is offering limited scholarships to cover the cost of tuition and fees for students who meet admission requirements to enroll in any of the pilot courses.

LCOOC is currently seeking accreditation from (HLC) to offer a Bachelor of Science in Early-Middle Childhood Education. These pilot courses, along with submission of the necessary application materials submitted in Spring of 2022, are part of the accreditation process. HLC typically reviews the application and completes an onsite visit within 6 months. We anticipate full accreditation by the Fall of 2022.

If the Higher Learning Commission does not approve this bachelor’s degree, students may be eligible to receive a certificate in education upon successful completion of all pilot courses.

“I can remember conversations with people who want to be teachers and people who envisioned tribal members teaching other tribal members. They smiled and began to dream out loud about the possibilities and the positive changes that our tribal communities need,” recounts President Swagger.