Juggling a full day of classes, extra-curricular activities, homework, and a social calendar is the norm for a teenager. Some Club teens are now also adding a college course to their schedule. A unique partnership between Casper College and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming is allowing select teen members to earn college credits during the spring semester.

Beginning in January, professor Chad Hanson, will come to the BGCCW campus to lead a class called “Education & the Good Life” for 10 Club teens. Those enrolled in the course were nominated by Teen Director Chris Stier and Club leadership based on attendance, grades in school, a positive attitude, compliance with Club rules, and have expressed future plans to attend college.

“I think it’s safe to assume that no one goes to school, just to go to school. The promise of an education is that it holds the potential to help each of us to live a good life,” said professor Hanson. “In this class we will read, and talk, and write about education and the role of education in one’s life.”

Hanson says that the transition from high school to college for young adults can be challenging. They are wrestling with a new-found independence while learning how to navigate the discipline of college.

He says, “It involves building a set of habits that encourage students to start, continue, and finish papers, exams and projects.”

Through this class, Hanson will use reading and writing exercises to reinforce these concepts and help develop habits students will need to be successful in college.

Students will earn three transferable college credits in Sociology for this class. Funded through BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services), it is offered at no charge to Club teens enrolled.