Early College Academy at MCC Advanced Technical Skills Institute

Students participating in the MCC-Penn Valley-Advanced Technical Skills Institute (ATSI) Early College Program are provided hands-on opportunities to gain knowledge and learn technical skills to help them be industry ready for careers in the fields of heating ventilation and air conditioning, engineering technology, building maintenance and construction, and welding. Students will attend classes in person at one of the Metropolitan Community College campuses.

This program is a great option for students who want to go to work after high school, prefer to learn with their hands and heads, want to build their resume, or are unsure about what career/major they are interested in pursuing.

Participants in the program earn college credits towards earning a certificate and can apply these credits towards completing an Associate in Applied Science degree.

Program availability is dependent on enrollment minimums set by MCC-ATSI program directors.

Application

Apply for Advanced Technical Skills Institute Programs: Construction Academy, HVAC, Welding.

2025-2026 ATSI Application

You need recommendations from two people from your high school. These could be a counselor, teacher, or coach.

2025-2026 ATSI Recommendations

To apply to the Engineering Technology program, visit the program page .

Programs of Study

Read more for a description of each program of study within the ATSI Early College Academy offerings.

The median wages listed here are found at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website. The median wages were listed on the Bls.gov website as of February 1, 2021.

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)

HVAC - Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Students who participate in this program will use the same equipment they would use on the job to install, service, and maintain climate control systems. Any student who is interested in facilities management could benefit from the knowledge and skills learned in this program. The median wage for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technicians is $23.43 per hour.

Location: MCC-Advanced Technical Skills Institute, a newly-renovated facility at 2944 Troost Avenue, Kansas City MO 64109

Engineering Technology

ETEC - Engineering Technology

This program prepares students to be engineering technicians or drafters who work with engineers, designers, physical scientists, and/or planners. Successful completion of this program prepares students to create production drawings and help design structures, civil projects, and mechanical manufacturing processes. This program provides students the skills and the knowledge that can be useful in securing an internship or that prepares them to begin work in a career field where the median hourly wage is $27.32.

Location: MCC-Penn Valley Campus

KC Construction Career Academy

BLDM - KC Construction Career Academy

This hands-on program provides students the opportunity to learn the knowledge and skills necessary to work in residential and light commercial building maintenance and construction. Students learn topics including carpentry, heating and cooling, electrical wiring, and plumbing. This program of study teaches students useful information and skills that they can use in industry or on their own home projects. The median hourly wage for careers within this field range from $18.79 to $25.41.

Location: MCC-Advanced Technical Skills Institute, a newly-renovated facility at 2944 Troost Avenue, Kansas City MO 64109

Welding Technology

WELD - Weld Technology

This program teaches students a variety of welding and fabrication techniques. Shielded metal arc welding, MIG welding, TIG welding, flame cutting, and plasma cutting are a few hand-on skills that students will have the opportunity to learn. Students who complete this program can begin working in industry where the median hourly wage is $20.43.

Location: MCC-Advanced Technical Skills Institute, a newly-renovated facility at 2944 Troost Avenue, Kansas City MO 64109

Steps to Enroll into the Program

Minimum Qualifications:

*Cumulative simple GPA of 2.5 or higher.
*Official student disciplinary record from school.
*Recommendations from two academic teachers. You can send them the link down below.
*90% Attendance Rate
*College Readiness- Students need a qualifying ACT or MCC Placement exam scores placing them into college level classes at MCC. Required ACT scores (Composite: 18+ with ACT English: 18+, ACT Math: 22+ OR MCC Placement exam and place into, "No Reading Required", English 101, and Math 115, 119, 120 or higher.
*Completed Essay Question
*Completion of MCC Application (successful completion, will generate an MCC student ID#)
*Discussion with Director Early College Programs or designee.
*Completed NKC application and signed agreement to abide by the expectations and responsibilities of the NKC Early College Academy.

Step 1: Consult with Your High School Counselor (November 2024- April 2025)

You will want to speak with your high school counselor regarding your high school graduation requirements and to discuss if the ATSI Campus Early College Program will fit into your schedule. All programs of study will be offered for half day, either 8 a.m.-11:15 a.m. The Engineering Technology program offerings will be dependent on availability.

Step 2: Apply to Metropolitan Community College (November 1 - March 14)

If you have not applied to MCC before, you will need to fill out an application. The application is free. After you complete the application, you will receive an email on the next business day stating that you were accepted into MCC. The email will provide your MCC student id number. You will need this number to complete Step 3. The application can be found at the following web address: www.mcckc.edu/apply

Step 3: Complete the ATSI Early College Program Application (November 1 - March 14)

Fill out the application to the program by clicking HERE. If you have problems filling out the application, please refer to the Contact Information for the program listed on this document.

Step 4: Submit ACT Scores and/or Take the Accuplacer Test (November 1 - March 14)

If you have taken the ACT and scored 18 or higher on the English portion of the ACT, have an ACT score of 18 or higher on the reading portion of the ACT, or have scored 22 or higher on the math portion, please email carlton.fowler@mcckc.edu a copy of your ACT scores. If you have an ACT score below any of the thresholds listed in the previous sentence or have not taken the ACT, you will need to take the Accuplacer test, which is a free placement test proctored by MCC. The Accuplacer test is offered virtually or at one of the MCC campuses. You can schedule the Accuplacer test by calling 816-604-1000- you will need your MCC Student number and tell them you applying to be in the NKC Early College Academy. Your high school may also be scheduling an Accuplacer test day.

Step 5: A High School Representative Will Confirm Your Eligibility for the Program (May 1)

A list of students will be sent to one of your high school representatives to determine your eligibility for the program. You must have a cumulative 2.25 GPA or better, high school attendance of 80% or better, and be in good standing with your high school.

Step 6: Enroll in ATSI Program Courses (Due Date: May 1)

An MCC staff member will enroll you into 2023 Semester courses after your eligibility is confirmed. You will be sent your schedule via your MCC student email account. Information on how to access your student email will be sent to the email you utilized on your MCC application.

Step 7: Submit Final Documentation (Due Date: May 19)

You will be emailed the following documents after your high school representative confirms your eligibility to be enrolled in the program. You will need to review the documents and email them to carlton.fowler@mcckc.edu or give to Ms. Gilliland (shannon.gilliland@nkcschools.org).

Tuberculosis Screening Form
FERPA Consent Release Form

Step 8: Attend the ATSI Early College Program Fall Semester Orientation

In July, you will receive an invite to orientation to prepare you for starting courses in the fall. The orientation will be in August.

If you have questions or concerns, feel free to contact:

NKC Schools Contact Information: Ms. Shannon Gilliland, NKC Director Early College Programs, shannon.gilliland@nkcsschools.org or (816) 321-4672

MCC Contact Information: Carlton Fowler, Enrollment Manager, Carlton.Fowler@mcckc.edu or (816) 604-4101