College in the Schools Benefits Students, Teachers, Schools, and the University

Students Benefit

• By earning transferable college credit without leaving their high school campus;
• By developing college-level skills in critical thinking and writing;
• By demonstrating their learning over an entire semester, not just on a single, high-stakes test;
• By getting a jump start on postsecondary studies that allows for greater flexibility in college;
• By experiencing the U of M campus on field days;
• By receiving free U of M e-mail and internet accounts; 
• By gaining access to U of M libraries and labs.

“I definitely recommend CIS!  It's the best way to prepare for college--and who doesn't enjoy free credits!”  --CIS Student

 Teachers Benefit

• By accessing current research and methodology in professional development workshops led by U of M faculty;
• By developing professional relationships and sharing ideas and techniques with CIS instructors and U of M faculty;
• By re-energizing themselves through collaboration with other motivated colleagues;
• By being eligible for up to four graduate credits (tuition free) during the first year of participation in CIS;
• By receiving free U of M e-mail and internet accounts;
• By having access to U of M facilities including the libraries, computer labs, and recreation centers.

“Nothing has done more to influence my success and excitement as a teacher than College in the Schools.”  --CIS Teacher

 Schools and Districts Benefit

• By increasing public awareness of the school’s high standards and outstanding offerings;
• By securing high-quality, sustainable professional development for CIS  instructors;
• By retaining outstanding student leaders on the high school campus;
• By allowing students to earn college credit without losing significant state-support dollars;
• By enjoying the benefits of partnering with an outstanding research and teaching university.

“College in the Schools truly changed the outlook of our high school.  Students take their studies more seriously and see the benefits of CIS for their future.”  --CIS Principal

The University of Minnesota Benefits

The University is enriched by the CIS program as well.  We know that the more K-12 instructors and U of M faculty work with each other, the smoother the K-16 continuum becomes.  University faculty benefit professionally, too, as they often find the materials and pedagogy the CIS instructors demonstrate useful in their own classes.