"Middle College" for Rural Alaska

The “Middle College” for Rural Alaska (MCRA) provides high school students the opportunity to receive college credit and work towards completion of an associates degree or occupational endorsement certificate (OEC) in several tracks. MCRA allows you to learn skills that you can use to find work in your community, or anywhere and can give a jumpstart towards future college studies.

The courses are college courses that you take while you're still in high school. Students may enroll in a residential program and spend a semester in Valdez completing an OEC or general education requirements. There are also opportunities to work towards a degree through online or hybrid courses. The good news is that these courses could count towards your high school and college degrees, which could save you time and money in future tuition costs. 

MCRA courses are offered fall, spring and summer semesters through both residential programs and online delivery. Several of the OEC programs may be completed in a one-semester intensive residential program. There is also an option to complete some of the courses as summer camps.

The “Middle College” for Rural Alaska offers a unique opportunity for high school students to get a head start in a trade or college degree through a residential program at the Prince William Sound College Valdez campus. Students live in the college dorms and attend class on campus. As a small community campus, PWSC offers an opportunity to have a college experience with small class sizes and support from student services specialists and engaged faculty for high school students as they navigate the transition from high school to college. Activities throughout the semester engage the students in community building, develop independent living skills, and provide cultural and educational opportunities outside the classroom.