Post Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO)
-
Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students to earn high school and college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college-level courses. PSEO courses are generally offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution, however, some courses are offered online. Postsecondary institutions are not allowed to charge PSEO students for tuition, textbooks or support services. Students may be charged for equipment that becomes their property when the course or program is completed.
Most PSEO courses are only open to high school students during their 11th- and 12th-grade year, with each participating college and university setting their own requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses and programs. Additionally, there may be opportunities at industrialization centers accredited by any accreditor recognized by the US Department of Education Students. Students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis.
Many two- and four-year colleges and universities in Minnesota offer online courses and some of them offer online degrees and certificates. Through the wide array of online courses offered in Minnesota higher education, it is possible for PSEO students in our state to complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum requirements and/or other courses that could result in an award in addition to their high school diploma. School districts must allow a PSEO student reasonable access to the high school building, computers and/or other technology resources during regular school hours to participate in PSEO courses, whether on-line or on campus.
By March 1 of each year, a district must provide up-to-date information on the district's website, and in materials that are distributed to parents and students, about the program--including information about enrollment requirements and the ability to earn postsecondary credit--to all pupils in grades 8, 9, 10, and 11.
Students must meet the PSEO eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits. However, if a school district determines a pupil is not on track to graduate, she/he may still continue to participate in PSEO.
-
How to Enroll in PSEO
Interested and eligible 11th- and 12th-grade students should contact the postsecondary institution to find out their eligibility requirements, which courses are offered and what the application process is at that institution. Access the list of Participating Postsecondary Institutions for a list of schools and their contact information. Interested and eligible public 10th-grade students should contact the postsecondary institution to find out which Career and Technical (CTE) courses are offered and what the application process is at that institution.
To assist the district in planning, students are required to inform their district of their intent to enroll in PSEO courses during the following school year by May 30. Students should meet with their Dean to determine if PSEO is the right fit for them and their academic plan and to obtain more information. Interested students must complete the Postsecondary Enrollment Options Program Registration Form, found on the Minnesota Dept. of Education website.
-
PSEO State-Approved Early/Middle College Programs
PSEO State- Approved Early/Middle College Programs allow eligible students to earn a high school diploma while also earning postsecondary credits or conferring a degree or credential including a certificate, diploma or an associate’s degree. Students are considered eligible if they are enrolled in a core school day State-Approved Alternative Program (SAAP) under the graduation incentives program as defined by MDE. Access a list of currently approved PSEO State-Approved Early/Middle College Programs in Minnesota on the Minnesota Dept. of Education website.
-
PSEO for 10th Graders to take Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses
Legislation allows eligible 10th-grade students, including 10th grade nonpublic and home school students, to enroll initially in one Career and Technical Education (CTE) course through PSEO. If the student earns a “C” or higher grade in this first course, she/he is eligible to take additional CTE courses while in 10th grade. In order to be eligible, a 10th-grade student must have met the proficiency level of “meets or exceeds” on the 8th-grade MCA reading test. If the student did not take the MCA, another reading assessment accepted by the enrolling postsecondary institution can be substituted.
The Minnesota Department of Education has developed a new Policy entitled: Minnesota Department of Education Alternative Eligibility Options Policy for 10th Grade Students with a Disability who Wish to Participate in Career and Technical Education Classes through the Postsecondary Enrollment Options Program. The Policy and written procedures are effective December 8, 2015. Access the policy, procedures, and the Modification Request Form, found on the Minnesota Dept. of Education website.
-
Transportation Reimbursement for Qualified Students
Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for PSEO students whose families are at or below the poverty level, as determined by the federal government, to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses. Access the Postsecondary Enrollment Options Mileage Reimbursement Program Instructions, found on the Minnesota Dept. of Education website.
-
Additional Information to Consider:
- Students must meet the PSEO residency and eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits specified in the Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09.
- PSEO credits will be awarded as 1/4 of the college credit amount (for example, 4 college credits = 2 high school semester credits or 1 full year)
- Students may earn high school credits under PSEO and do not need to have completed all high school requirements before participating in PSEO
- PSEO grades are not weighted
For current information about the PSEO program, visit the Minnesota Department of Education's Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) webpage.
Contact
Contact LinK12 Lakeville, link12lakeville@isd194.org, for process and procedures.
