Morgan Community College (MCC) received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) on November 8, 2024, to offer a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Education with an endorsement in Technology Education. This is MCC’s third bachelor’s degree program. Additionally, MCC was awarded an Opportunity NOW Grant of $739,917, which is providing vital resources for curriculum development and student support services for the program.
The BAS in Education will incorporate more applied, hands-on learning than a traditional bachelor’s degree, focusing on a particular industry or trade. The program will prepare students to teach Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes in secondary schools (grades 7-12).
Kathy Frisbie (picture above, left), Director of Special Projects at MCC and past Vice President of Instruction for eight years began working on the idea of a BAS in Education in 2019, when it became very apparent that the rural communities were facing a critical teacher shortage that was not being resolved. She began investigating offering a teacher prep program at MCC. Frisbie has been engaged in dialogue with the Colorado Department of Education along with the Colorado Community College System for years on ways to make this degree happen for students in rural areas.
“This is a huge milestone for the MCC community,” stated Frisbie. “Offering the BAS in Education with a Technology Education focus will open doors for individuals in rural areas who otherwise would not be able to reach their goal of becoming a teacher. It will have a direct impact on the economic mobility of many individuals as well as address the critical shortage of rural teachers. We are thrilled to be able to collaborate with our K-12 partners to offer this much needed degree. As the primary author and project lead for the Opportunity NOW Grant, I am grateful for this resource which is creating the perfect launching pad for offering this degree!”
The Opportunity NOW Colorado grant program was designed to help communities across Colorado create and expand innovative workforce and talent development initiatives. The goal of the program is to help connect Coloradans with in-demand, high-skill, high-wage occupations. The grants support regional partnerships that bring together educational institutions, industry leaders, and employers to address current and future workforce development needs. MCC’s selection as a grant recipient affirms the college’s dedication to enhancing educational access and advancing workforce development in the region.
Taylor Schneider (pictured above, right) joined the Morgan Community College team in 2022 as Lead Education Faculty, bringing a background in teaching secondary English Language Arts at Fort Morgan High School. After transitioning to MCC, Taylor took on the role of developing the BAS in Education with a focus on Technology Education.
“As Lead Faculty, I worked closely with state approval bodies, including the Colorado Department of Education and the Colorado Community College System, to ensure our program meets rigorous state standards,” said Schneider. “We’ve developed a comprehensive curriculum, hands-on coursework, and a residency model that effectively prepares future educators for today’s dynamic classrooms. This program is essential for addressing the growing demand for Career and Technical Education (CTE) in our schools and communities, supporting both local workforce development and student success. Most importantly, it provides accessible, high-quality teacher preparation in rural Colorado, ensuring our communities have the educators they need to thrive.”
“The development and approval of this program was a big lift for the college,” said Dr. Curt Freed, MCC President. “What is most important, however, is what this program will do to help promote more teachers across rural Colorado. MCC’s talented and highly qualified faculty will help launch the teachers of tomorrow and tap into the impact of ‘growing our own’ in our rural communities.”
“Morgan Community College is responding to community stakeholders and answering a state level need through the development of the Bachelors of Applied Science in Technology Education,” stated Colorado Community College System (CCCS) Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Sarah Heath. “This program will enhance the economic mobility of current educators and potential educators as the bachelor’s degree will help them move through the pay scale. I am most excited about how this program will expand high school learner access to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in Colorado by supporting high quality teacher preparation.”
“The opportunity for rural teacher candidates to earn a four-year technology education degree locally is transformative for CTE programs,” stated Brush School District RE-J Superintendent, Marsha Cody. “This model addresses a critical need by creating accessible pathways for developing qualified CTE instructors who understand our agricultural communities and can enhance opportunities for both students and local workforce development.”
Spring classes begin on January 21, 2025. Individuals interested in pursuing the Bachelor of Applied Science in Education program are encouraged to apply at www.Morgancc.edu/education. For more information, contact Taylor Schneider at [email protected] or call (970) 542-3235.
About Morgan Community College
Morgan Community College, founded in 1970, is a community college serving the northeastern Colorado region and beyond. It is known for its exceptional faculty and staff, a focus on student success, personal attention, small class sizes, and accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission. MCC offers over 80 degrees and certificates.
About the Higher Learning Commission
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent agency, founded in 1895. The HLC accredits degree-granting colleges and universities in the United States. HLC is an institutional accreditor, accrediting the institution as a whole. To learn more, visit: www.hlcommission.org/.
About Opportunity NOW
Opportunity NOW Colorado is an $85 million grant program designed to drive transformative change in the state’s workforce. It enables funding for both innovative and established initiatives that foster meaningful collaboration among Colorado’s secondary, post-secondary, and workforce systems. The program aims to enhance economic mobility for learners and earners, supporting communities in their recovery from the economic impacts of COVID-19. For more information visit: https://oedit.colorado.gov/regional-talent-development-initiative-grant-program.
