WNC Jump Start program enrollment begins

The opportunity to attend Western Nevada College while in high school is a chance for students to expedite their postsecondary education and save some money in the process.

In its five years of existence, Western Nevada College’s Jump Start program has benefited many students.

The dual-enrollment program is available to high school, homeschool and academy students in Northern Nevada. It allows students to earn high school and college credit for courses they take through WNC. The beauty of the program is students can earn up to 60 college credit and an associate degree while in high school — and save thousands of dollars.

Jump Start works for students who are academically ready for college courses, willing to work hard, are mature and can manage their time to make studying a priority in their daily schedules.

To help parents and students learn whether Jump Start is a good fit for them and to answer their questions about the program, WNC’s Jump Start Counselor and Outreach Coordinator Tricia Wentz will be visiting Northern Nevada high schools in the coming months.

“The Jump Start team is very excited to be involved at the high schools this spring to offer students and parents the opportunity to learn more about the Jump Start program, as well as a variety of dual-enrollment options,” Wentz said. “Wylecia Johnson, Fallon Outreach and Access counselor; current Jump Start students; families; cohort coaches and academic faculty will be involved in the informational meetings to ensure that parents and students have access to information from all perspectives. Lupe Ramirez, coordinator of Latino Outreach, will also be available to provide information and answer questions in Spanish.”

Here is the schedule of WNC visits to talk about the Jump Start program:

Carson High School (Options Night), Feb. 4; Virginia City High School, March 21; Oasis Academy, March 25; Fernley High School, March 27; Douglas High School, April 10; Yerington High School, April 11; Dayton High School, April 17

WNC is also planning to visit Churchill County and Silver Stage high schools.

Eligibility is determined by students’ preparedness in mathematics and English. Students who have met Algebra II grade requirements, as well as have completed the college Accuplacer essay test and test into English 101, will be eligible to apply for Jump Start. Tuition varies by school district.

One of the underlying reasons for the success of the Jump Start program is the support students receive through a cohort system. Cohort coaches serve as academic mentors and coaches for students while they’re in the program.

Participating schools are Carson, Churchill County, Dayton, Douglas, Fernley, Nevada Homeschool, Nevada State, Nevada Virtual Academy, Oasis Academy, Pioneer, Pyramid Lake, Silver Stage, Smith Valley, Virginia City and Yerington.

Students in the two-year degree program will take communications, English, history, mathematics, science, social science, fine arts and elective classes.

For information about WNC’s Jump Start College, go to wnc.edu/jumpstart-success, phone Wentz at 775-445-3250 or email her at tricia.wentz@wnc.edu.

Foundation Accepting Scholarship Applications

Western Nevada College’s Foundation has made applying for scholarships even more enticing in 2019. Not only is more scholarship funding available, but the process of applying has been simplified, allowing students to easily apply for more than 250 scholarships with one, easy application.

Individuals planning to attend WNC next fall can begin applying for more than $300,000 in scholarship funding through the WNC Foundation.

The 2019-20 scholarship application is online at wnc.edu/scholarships. The deadline for applying is April 1.

The Western Nevada College Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)3 that connects the college to the community for the purpose of raising funds and developing friendships that support college strategic initiatives, projects and student scholarships.

The foundation provides academic scholarships in partnership with WNC employees, community members, corporations and private foundations.

For information on applying for a scholarship to WNC or starting your own scholarship, contact the WNC Foundation at 775-445-3240 or stop by the Foundation Office in Bristlecone Building 145.

‘Bigfoot,’ ‘Future War’ Presentations Coming to Observatory

Mike Thomas will talk about two popular topics during his February presentations at Western Nevada College’s Jack C. Davis Observatory.

On Friday, Feb. 8, Thomas will focus on “Bigfoot,” the elusive hairy creature that has fascinated people for generations. Is Bigfoot fact or fiction?

The following night on Saturday, Feb. 9, Thomas will deliver a presentation on “Future War.” Thomas will extrapolate what war could look like in years to come.

Both lectures are free and begin at 6:30 p.m.; doors to the observatory open at 6.

Thomas has been providing free lectures at the observatory for more than a decade.

On Saturday nights when lectures aren’t scheduled, the observatory is open to the public from sundown to 11 p.m. At this time, the Western Nevada Astronomical Society hosts Star Parties, bringing together people with an interest in astronomy. Newcomers are always welcome.

The observatory is located at 2699 Van Patten Drive in Carson City.