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For most people, a path to a degree past the secondary level involves a lengthy process that includes graduating from high school, applying to colleges, enrolling and completing a program, and then heading into the workforce. For Peyton Betts, it looked a little different. He walked across the stage at Wausaukee High School graduation and received multiple diplomas – one from his high school and two more from ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ.    

As part of the Northwoods Academy – a dual credit school run by ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ on the Wausaukee campus – Peyton was able to use ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ credits towards two advanced technical diplomas and his high school requirements. He graduated from high school at the age of 18 with multiple degrees and seemingly endless job opportunities.   

“I started working as a welder in June, which was only weeks after I graduated,” said Betts.  

The education he received through dual credit courses with ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ allowed him to fast-track a career that can take years of training after high school. Instead of having to go back for more education, he knocked it all out at once.  

“People spend years in the industry learning a trade,” said Betts. “It’s amazing that I had the skills and abilities to enter a career I love coming out of high school.”    

Dual credit opportunities give students a head start when entering college or the workforce and are a cost-effective solution to exploring your interests beyond high school. Dual credit lets you check out a career and get started on a degree simply by taking classes that are part of your regular high school experience.  

“As a parent, you hope your child can find a career that provides them security, satisfaction, and many rewards,” said Misty Betts, Peyton’s mother, and Wausaukee School Guidance Counselor. “It was outstanding to see Peyton excel in something he was interested in and find a career that matches those interests right out of high school.”  

Learn more about dual credit opportunities at ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ and how you can earn college credits while still in high school. Dual credit opens the door to a world of opportunity, as Betts can attest to.   

“It was a low-risk, high-reward decision,” recalls Betts. “I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.”