BATC Report To RC School Board

Anita Weston, reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah. December 21, 2016. Troy Christensen presented information to the Board concerning Bridgerland Applied Technology College (BATC).  He had a video that he played for the Board dealing with what they call stackable credits.  BATC and USU have built a curriculum that allows for 90 credits from BATC to transfer to USU as 30 credits.  These credits can be earned while still attending high school or while attending BATC.  They are accepted by USU and move students forward without having to retake any courses.

Christensen noted certificates start careers and degrees elevate them.  In other words, a student can gain a certification and get a good paying job.  As they work, they generally decide that they would like to gain more education to allow themselves to increase their pay check.  Thus, they are able to be accepted into USU and already have credits that move them toward their goal while still working if necessary.  It seems to work out really well for the students who have been following this path.

Statistics show that technical skills fill 68 percent of the jobs that pay a livable wage.  A bachelor’s degree fills about 21 percent of all jobs and a higher PHD education is needed by about 11 percent of the jobs.  It is easy to see that skills are where the majority of the jobs in the work force exist.

Christensen said there are two key points that individuals should be aware of.  First, there are exit and entrance points that must be considered.  Also specific, relevant, and economical facts must be known.  The most common path is getting a high school diploma.  Next is a technical certification, then an association science degree and finally a bachelor’s degree.

At Rich High School, the students are able to have concurrent enrollment.  Students have the opportunity of getting most of those required credits for an associate degree.  A bachelor’s degree requires 126 credits.  BATC has set up pathways toward the associate degree so that no extra classes are additional credits are required.  It is a very economical and good way to move a student toward a higher education.  BATC has the same agreement with most of the higher education institutions in the state allowing students to transfer to the school of their choice.  Currently, 90 percent of the students gaining certification at BATC are employed when the finish their program.