Information and Application Process (Wilson)

• Students delay graduation by one year to participate in the technical early college.
• Students are allowed to walk with their graduation class, but will not receive a diploma until the next year with the next year’s graduation date. (example: graduation date of 2026, diploma date of 2027).
• A minimum of two classes in the 13th year will count toward their high school graduation. One semester will be the required math class and the other semester will be another college class.  Some high schools put all college classes on the high school transcript.
• Students must maintain a C average in college classes to continue with CRTEC.
• Students must maintain a B or better in their Wilson Talent Center program to continue with CRTEC.
• CRTEC does not pay for a student to retake a failed college class or the expenses that are incurred with re-taking said class, this includes a "W".  The family would need to repay for the class retake if the student wants to remain in CRTEC.
• CRTEC will pay for the classes on the programs of study only.
• Students who drop from the Wilson Talent Center or change programs at the Wilson Talent Center are dropped from CRTEC.

What do I need to apply for CRTEC?

• A GPA of 2.5 or above
• A PSAT ELA score of 450 or above
• A PSAT Math score of 510 or above

Why CRTEC?

• Do you love academic challenge?
• Do you work independently?
• Would you be the one filling out the applications?
• Are you already taking challenging classes at your high school?

• Complete all parts of the application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• Turn everything in on time.  Late applications will not be accepted.
• Read all parts of the application.
• Discuss the expectations and requirements.
• Be sure that you are ready and prepared for college classes.
• Read and understand all aspects of the handbook (students receive the fall after enrollment)

March 2026

Students enrolled in a program offering CRTEC will receive an informational postcard inviting them to peruse the CRTEC website.

March 16-20

Students enrolled in a program offering CRTEC will receive a letter with their Wilson Talent Center acceptance letter, which will include an invitation to attend a Zoom meeting that provides more information and a Q&A session.

CRTEC Letter

April - Zoom meetings

April 7, 1:30 PM

Pam Kunkel-Chappell is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: CRTEC Informational MeetingTime: Apr 7, 2026 01:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/3359875522?pwd=dk1qU0wrSjdBdStuaVltWHRWS0NMUT09&omn=89502287246
Meeting ID: 335 987 5522Passcode: PVe02J
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One tap mobile+12678310333,,3359875522#,,,,*529410# US (Philadelphia)+12133388477,,3359875522#,,,,*529410# US (Los Angeles)
Join instructionshttps://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/89502287246/invitations?signature=Kl9zoBrULtanKp3JEPNxjRIYr9aaRuHXQgZ9J0rmM5I

April 9, 7:00 AM

Pam Kunkel-Chappell is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: CRTEC Informational MeetingTime: Apr 9, 2026 07:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/3359875522?pwd=dk1qU0wrSjdBdStuaVltWHRWS0NMUT09&omn=82359915348
Meeting ID: 335 987 5522Passcode: PVe02J
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One tap mobile+12678310333,,3359875522#,,,,*529410# US (Philadelphia)+12133388477,,3359875522#,,,,*529410# US (Los Angeles)
Join instructionshttps://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/82359915348/invitations?signature=B2m2pZbsTBQ-_TRhjxrtVmfEJISzs94ZgjLfGyIRclQ


April 16, 2026

From 4 - 6 pm - Mandatory in-person meeting for one student and one parent due to space limits. Students will receive an application during this meeting. This is a two-hour event; please plan on being there from 4-6 pm.

Thorburn Education Center, 2630 West Howell Road, Mason 48854

Please sign up to attend here:

References:  Applicants will need two teacher references, one for Math and one for English.  

May 2026

May 1, 2026

All application materials are due, including references, by 2:30 PM.  Application materials must be dropped off at the Wilson Talent Center. No late applications will be accepted, but materials may be turned in early.   Be sure to let the teachers providing a reference for you be aware of this deadline.  

PSAT scores must be emailed to me as a pdf.  

Directions:  On a computer, pull up your scores, go to the print option, but choose save as pdf instead of printing.  Once saved on your computer, you can then attach them in an email to me.  Screenshots of scores will not be accepted.  Keep in mind these are sent on to the college/university.

May 11-15, 2026

In-person interviews with the applicant and one parent/guardian will be on-site at the Wilson Talent Center.  Time slot invitations will be sent via email provided at "Meet the College Partner Night". These will be for students who have turned in complete applications.

May 27, 2026

Students will receive notifications of acceptance/denial, the date may vary based on the college's response to acceptance.

June 3, 2026

Incoming CRTEC students will have a list of tasks to complete, if they have not already been done.  Failure to complete tasks will reflect your ability to remain a CRTEC student.  There will be once/week CRTEC virtual meetings over the summer that students are expected to attend.

• Associate degree
• College professional certificate
• Transferable credits
• Each pathway is dependent on the program of study and how many classes a student takes.

Student Expectations

• Attend school daily.
• Arrive at school and all classes on time and ready to participate.
• Be a self-advocate; aware of your academic and personal needs and be able to communicate and pursue them.
• Check and respond to email daily.
• Interact with CRTEC mentor to discuss academic progress.
• Devote additional time to studying daily.
• Keep parents/guardians aware of academic progress.
• Complete graduation requirements and maintain good high school grades.
• Behave in a professional manner that shows respect for oneself, classmates, and high school, and college faculty.
• Follow the handbook rules and policies of the high school and college that you are attending.

Family Expectations

• Set expectations for your student’s progress and check in by having them show you their grades.
• Show an interest by asking questions about the discussion/content they are learning.
• Find out if there are any technology problems.
• Stay aware of their schedule and time management skills. 
• Do they need help expressing their concerns/questions to the instructor – your insight on how to ask questions will be valuable. 
• Are they getting connected with other students in class, study groups, sharing notes, etc.?
• Believe in your student’s abilities and encourage them to perform well in their academics.
• Support your student’s daily attendance and notify the school in the event of an absence.
• Ensure your student has the appropriate time and space conducive to studying.
• Attend and participate in parent/teacher conferences.
• Contact the CRTEC coordinator with any concerns via email or phone.

Mentor Expectations

The CRTEC mentor will serve as a mentor and success coach for students. This is a partnership that will continue until the completion of the program. Regular meetings with the CRTEC mentor are required throughout the program. The CRETC mentor will do the following to support students:

• Meet with students regularly
• Listen to student needs, concerns, and aspirations
• Advocate on your behalf
• Identify academic and personal concerns
• Refer students to appropriate resources for assistance as needed
• Serve as a “coach” and positive role model to encourage student success

Students will be expected to adhere to several academic calendars. The local high school, Ingham ISD, Baker College, Bay College, Davenport University, and Ferris State University all have their own calendar with different beginning dates, end dates, and days off.
 
College Calendar Conflicts

Students taking classes on a college campus should be aware that college and high school calendars do not match. If your local district is not in session and college is in session, you are expected to attend your college class. Spring break weeks are different, and students are discouraged from missing college courses during the local school district's spring break. You need to make arrangements in advance with your instructor if you will be absent.

Transportation and any related transportation costs to the high school student, Wilson Talent Center, Ferris State University, Bay College, Davenport University, and Baker College are the student’s responsibility.

Weather-Related Closing of School

• Students should follow local TV/radio stations for school closures.
• If a high school is closed that does not mean the college is closed.
• It is a student’s responsibility to ensure they are attending school if it is open during the third year of the program. 
• First and second-year students will follow Ingham ISD closures and local high school closures. 
• Students in the third year will follow the respective college schedule. 
• Students will still need to complete coursework as assigned.

• Students in a Ferris State University class(es) will order books through their Ferris 360, which is directly linked with the FSU bookstore.  Students will then submit a detailed receipt for reimbursement.  The Ingham ISD is a tax-exempt school and does not reimburse for tax.
• Requesting a college transcript be sent from one college to another. 
• Transportation is not a covered expense.
• If a student earns a failing grade or a "W" in a class, we do not repay for the class.  The family would need to pay for the retake if the student wants to remain in CRTEC.