Seventeen-year-old Alex Jacoby, of Greenville, is looking forward to his future and hopes to one day be flying the friendly skies as a commercial pilot. 

A junior at Central Montcalm High School, Jacoby is taking dual enrollment classes at Montcalm Community College to earn credits that fulfill both college and high school requirements. 

“The best part is getting college credit while in high school and it’s free,” he said. 

Through dual enrollment, students may enroll in up to 10 college classes throughout their high school career. Successful completion of a college course grants them college credit as well as satisfies one of their high school graduation requirements, either a core requirement or an elective requirement, depending on the college course taken. 

Often, MCC delivers dual enrollment classes at area high schools, and that’s the case for Jacoby. 

“It’s great having teachers come to our high school so I don’t have to get a ride or drive to MCC’s campus,” he said. “It’s definitely worth it because it gives you a chance to get ahead in high school.” 

He also enjoys the college classroom environment. 

“You’re away from your grade, so you don’t get as much of the social aspect,” he said. “It’s a good trade off.” 

Jacoby’s goal is to complete the requirements of the Michigan Transfer Agreement, which allows students to complete general education requirements at one college or university, then transfer those courses to meet general education requirements at another college or university, without any special exceptions. Upon completion at MCC, he plans to transfer to Western Michigan University to pursue a degree in aviation. 

In his spare time, Jacoby enjoys golf, bowling and beekeeping.