Sunday College offers chance to grow

We've always contended that anyone living in the McCook area who did not have a college degree was missing an important opportunity if they didn't take advantage of our local community college.

Mid-Plains Community College is making it even easier this year, offering Sunday College starting Aug. 30.

What that means is they can earn an associate degree in 24 months by attending classes Sunday afternoons and early evenings, at McCook Community College or other campuses at North Platte, Broken Bow, Imperial, Ogallala and Valentine.

Now, if you work a full-time job during the week, you no longer have an excuse not to further your education. The same goes for stay-at-home parents, high school students and current college students who want to free up their schedules Monday through Friday.

"It's basically a mix of every type of class we offer," said Dr. Jody Tomanek, area vice-president of academic affairs and North Platte Community College. "It's accelerated, is a hybrid -- meaning it's offered both in a physical setting and online and is available through distance learning at our extended campus locations."

Enrollees will take two classes the first half of a semester and two more during the second half, as well as a class during the "winterim," the short period between terms.

And it might not take you 24 months; the college will see if successfully completed coursework can be transferred into the new degree program.

Registration is limited to five students per site; check with the nearest one to see if a slot is still available.

It will cost $8,000 totally, taking tuition, fees and books into account.

That's a serious investment, but what better investment than your own future?

If you have a GED or high school diploma, you can, on average, expect to make around $652 a week. An associate degree pushes that to $785, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

With an associate degree in hand, you may be able to continue working toward your bachelor's degree, which brings in about $53,000 a year on average.

That all depends on the field of study, of course, and sometimes the difference between an associate degree and bachelor degree or higher isn't worth the additional investment of time and money.

As we transition from summertime back into the winter schedule, now is a good time to take a good look at your future.

Check out local opportunities by visiting the college's website at www.mpcc.edu/sunday-college or call Heather Pucket, MPCC area student advisor at (308) 535-3710.