CENTRAL WYOMING
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Contact: |
Janet Hoyt
BOCES Program Specialist
Casper College
Administration Building Room 10
125 College Drive Casper, WY 82601
Casper, WY 82601
P: 307-268-3309
F: 307-268-2731
E: janet_hoyt@ncsd.k12.wy.us |
Welcome to the Central Wyoming Board Of Cooperative Education Services home page! BOCES has over fifteen years of history in Natrona County of providing educational opportunities to our citizens. You may hear how BOCES paid for a high school students college courses (ACE program), how BOCES paid for a teacher’s assistant to obtain his AA and Para-educator certification (TAPP program), you may also hear that BOCES provided funding assistance for a teacher obtaining their masters degree or doctorate degree in education (Stipends). What you may not know is that BOCES funds many other programs through grant requests.
A sampling of the BOCES funded programs:
- Lego League Robotics Competition: targets math, science and technology for elementary through college level students.
- The summer Astronomy Camp held at the planetarium every summer for the youth of Natrona County.
- Tutors for Transitions Program:
- Success for Potential: Beyond the GED: a program to assist GED graduates with skill development to plan and achieve college and career goals.
- Tools for Success: targeted program to assist at-risk youth to prepare for college or career options.
- Greco Roman Pastimes and Pleasures: this event explored the impact of Greco-Roman civilization on the origin and development of western entertainment.
- Mission
- ACE Program/Dual Enrollment
- ACE FAQs
- Board Members
- Board Mtg Sched
- BOCES Grants
- GED & Beyond
- Success for Potential
- Graduate Stipend
Central Wyoming Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) exists to provide the citizens of Natrona County and Central Wyoming quality educational services which can not be provided as effectively or efficiently by the Natrona County Schools or Casper College when provided independently. The primary mission of the BOCES is three-fold:
a. to meet the educational needs of the community by training adult learners in programs leading to undergraduate and graduate education degrees earned in Casper
b. to meet the educational needs of high school students through cooperative articulated programs in technical and academic areas where students earn college credit while still enrolled in high school, and
c. to meet the ongoing needs of the community by serving as a catalyst for the development and implementation of innovative programs benefiting educational institutions, the business community, and the general citizenry.
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High School Students ~ Earn college credits at no cost!
- What is ACE?
ACE (Accelerated College Education) allows you to become a Casper College student while you’re attending Kelly Walsh, Midwest, Natrona County or Roosevelt high school. You can attend classes on the Casper College campus, or take advantage of classes at your own high school. You can take classes during your regular high school hours, in the evening or on weekends. You can even take courses online!
- How can this be free?
Starting the Fall semester 2008, BOCES will pay the cost of tuition and books for up to nine credit hours per semester per student. Students just pay for supplies and any special course fees.
- What if I want to take more than nine credits?
Students may take more than nine credits if they pay the additional cost of tuition and books. Twelve or more credits at Casper College is considered full time tuition. This means the student only has to pay for an additional three credits!
- What classes can I take?
Dozens of classes are approved for ACE credit each semester, and the available courses on each high school campus vary. Your high school guidance counselor can provide you with the expanding list of college courses available to obtain both high school and college credit during the high school enrollment process. Working closely with your guidance counselor or the BOCES representative, Janet Hoyt, (268-3309), will ensure a successful dual enrollment.
- What if I am undecided on my choice of college?
College credits earned through the ACE program will be recorded on a Casper College transcript and can be transferable to colleges and universities per their credit transfer processes.
- Why will BOCES pay for me to earn college credit?
Casper College and Natrona County School District want to maximize your success in higher education! Natrona County BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) is a partnership between Casper College and the Natrona County School District.
- Want to know more?
For more information about ACE, Powered by BOCES, see your high school guidance counselor or contact BOCES representative Janet Hoyt (see contact info to the right).
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CHANGES IN THE ACE PROGRAM STARTING FALL 2008
1. BOCES will pay for a maximum of nine credits per semester.
WHY? The purpose of the ACE program is to ease the transition for high school students entering college. The ACE program is now nearing budget limits, and we want as many students to be able to participate in the program as possible.
ACE is not intended to replace the high school experience, nor is it intended to provide a “free” college education. We do not want to de-value the high school experience or the maturation that takes place at the high school level.
Students may still take more than nine credits if they pay the additional cost of tuition and books. Twelve or more credits at Casper College is considered full time tuition. This means the student only has to pay for an additional three credits!
2. Students will now be expected to reimburse BOCES 100% of the cost of tuition and books for withdrawals.
WHY? We want students to be successful in all of their ACE classes. Many students are loading up on classes, and then withdrawing from the ones they are performing poorly in mid-semester. BOCES encourages student accountability and so, in addition to other current repayment requirements, we will also require 100% repayment for withdrawals. It is the student’s responsibility to choose their course load wisely and to perform as expected in their chosen courses. We want the ACE program to simulate a true college experience. There are financial consequences for withdrawals at the college level and for the ACE program. |
| Powered by BOCES | Powered by Natrona County Schools | Powered by Casper College | |
• Frequently Asked Questions •
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What is an ACE course?
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An ACE course is a Casper College course taken at the college campus, the high school campus, or via the internet. You may receive high school credit and college credit for completing these courses with a C or better. The credits may be used in a core area or as an elective on your high school transcript. You will receive an official Casper College transcript for these same courses as well.
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Can anyone take ACE courses?
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High school juniors and seniors, including home and private schooled students, who meet all course prerequisites, may enroll in the ACE program. Freshman and sophomores may take courses, after contacting their guidance counselor or BOCES office, 268-3309, to confirm eligibility, and then with the course instructor’s permission.
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How are ACE courses paid for?
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BOCES will pay for the tuition and books for up to nine credits each semester for qualifying students. A completed ACE enrollment form must be used to register and pick up books. BOCES does not pay the course fees or supplies for any courses taken at the Casper College campus or via the internet.
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What is the student’s responsibility?
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Being successful! BOCES wants your transition from high school to college to be seamless. It is the student’s responsibility to meet with their guidance counselor and choose their courses wisely.
We ask each student to receive a grade of “C” or better for their ACE courses. If a student receives a D, he/she will be required to pay back 50% of the cost of tuition and books for the course. If a student receives a final grade of F, U, Audit, or Withdrawal, he/she will be required to reimburse BOCES 100% of the cost of tuition and books. Additionally, students who don’t pass with a C or better, will be placed on probation status.
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What if I don’t pass the class?
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There is an opportunity for a second chance in the ACE program: a probation process. Reimburse BOCES as stated above, take a college course paid by you after the underperforming semester; bring us your final grade of “C” or better, and you are back in the ACE program! Better yet, BOCES will reimburse YOU for the tuition and books, with receipts, for that semester! We want you back!
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Benefits are……
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- Gain confidence in your ability to succeed at the college level, easing your transition to college life!
- Complete some of your required college courses while still in high school.
- Browse for a career at no cost to you while broadening your knowledge base.
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| Powered by BOCES | Powered by Natrona County Schools | Powered by Casper College |
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The Board of Cooperative Education Services consists of three members from the Casper College District Board and three members from the Natrona County School District Board. The Chief Administrator position is currently in the school district and is held by Dr. Joel Dvorak, Superintendent of Schools.
Board Members:
- Charles S. Chapin, Casper College
- Elizabeth Horsch, Natrona County School District
- Don McCall, Natrona County School District
- Susan D. Miller, Casper College
- Jane Sullivan, Casper College
- Rita Walsh, Natrona County School District
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• All meetings scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m., unless otherwise listed •
DATE |
LOCATION |
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January 19, 2010 |
- Central Services Facility |
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February 23, 2010 |
- Casper College, 4 PM |
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February 24, 2010 |
- Board Retreat (Petroleum Club) |
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March 30, 2010 |
- Casper College |
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April 19, 2010 |
- Central Services Facility, 4 PM |
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May 17, 2010 |
- Central Services Facility |
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June 21, 2010 |
- Casper College |
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July 13, 2010 |
- Casper College |
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August 16, 2010 |
- Central Services Facility |
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September 20, 2010 |
- Central Services Facility |
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October 25, 2010 |
- Casper College |
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November 15, 2010 |
- Casper College |
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December 13, 2010 |
- Central Services Facility |
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The partnership that founded BOCES is continuing to provide enrichment and pathways to success for all ages of Natrona County citizens. The BOCES grant program is a tool for the Natrona County School District and Casper College for joint use to fund educational programs that may not have as significant an impact if acted upon separately.
BOCES has board meetings monthly, however, there are three scheduled months out of the year that presenters may attend to request grant funding: October, February, and May
. This process requires contact with the Casper College Grant's office 1 1/2 months prior to the scheduled meeting. The grant form is provided as a download from this page and should be completed and returned to the Casper College Grant's office. All grants must have a CC and NCSD employee as co-directors. If there is a payroll portion of any grant, the co-directors are responsible for coordinating the payment from CC or NCSD prior to the grant presentation.
All presentations have a second reading at the following month's board meeting, where board members will approve/disprove grants. Letters will be mailed notifying grant requestors of the resulting vote with instructions on fund dispensing. This results in a total processing time of two months from presentation to award notice, and ultimately fund availability.
BOCES urges grant requestors to seek other funding in addition to funding requested from BOCES. Examples of other funding include, but are not limited to: fund-raising at schools, donation requests from local businesses and foundations, or private sponsorship. You must notify Janet Hoyt, 268-3309 or Katie McMillan, 268-2488 immediately upon receiving any pending funding from other sources. The BOCES Board Members are active on other boards and are aware of many of the grants from their functions on those boards. Updates not received by the grant requestors may place the grant in jeopardy of zero funding from BOCES if it is believed that the grant is seeking duplicate funding.
Any questions regarding the awarding and accounting practices for approved grants should be directed to BOCES, 268-3309, 125 College Drive, Casper, WY 82601.
Any NCSD or Casper College employee seeking grant funding should download the grant form, and after completed, turn it in to the Casper College Grants Coordinator, Katie McMillan. She will be able to assist with needed information and allow a smooth entry into the grant approval process.
Casper College Grants Coordinator
Katie McMillan
125 College Dr.
Casper, WY 82601
307.268-2488
:: Grant Application Form ::
:: Grant Evaluation Form ::
:: Grant Rubric (for Board Members) ::
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GED & Beyond is a permanent grant funded by BOCES to assist students ages 16-20 to obtain their GED and begin their college experience.
GED & Beyond pays for:
$50.00 GED test fee,
$10.00 Compass test fee,
College Studies course, HMDV 1000, 1 credit,
student's choice of a Casper College 3 credit course plus up to $100.00 for the book purchase.
Central Wyoming Board of Cooperative Educational Services is committed to educating the youth of Natrona County! If you have any questions or would like to apply for this great opportunity, please contact:
Bev Dye
ABE/GED Co-director & Instructor
125 College Drive
Casper, WY 82601
(307) 268-2230
(307) 268-3021
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This multi-year grant is targeted at all GED graduates regardless of age in Natrona County. It pays for a 2 credit course, Human Potential Seminar, and the book required for the class. The Human Potential Seminar is designed to help each student conduct a self-assessment, reach a clearer understanding of what he or she hopes to achieve, and attain the knowledge and skills needed to achieve those goals.
If you have any questions or would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please contact:
ABE/GED Center
125 College Drive
Casper, WY 82601
(307) 268-2230
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| The Graduate Stipend program is available for Casper College administration and faculty and Natrona County School District administration and certified staff.
The Graduate Stipend program provides a stipend for the actual (documented) cost of tuition and books up to a maximum of $700 per semester for students pursuing an advanced degree generally graduate level, Masters or PhD. We make payments once each semester (fall, spring, summer) so the most any one person can get in a calendar year is actual costs or a maximum of $2100. Students in the program are defined as full-time, benefited employees at Casper College or Natrona County School District.
Students may choose a program from any school that is regionally accredited and listed on the DOEd website. Students must be accepted to a program and provide documentation. The application form is available as a Word document or PDF. For more information, please contact:
Janet Hoyt
BOCES
125 College Drive
Casper, WY 82601
P: 307-268-3309
F: 307-268-2611
E: janet_hoyt@ncsd.k12.wy.us
[Application Form as PDF] [Application Form as Word document]
Students are expected to finish their program; otherwise BOCES has the option of requesting reimbursement for the stipends paid. Students must take classes that are part of the study program they are enrolled in and may not use the stipend for "occasional classes or workshops". |
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