Pine Academies

PTCC’s Pine Academies are offered in partnership with the East Central Minnesota Educational Cable Cooperative (ECMECC). Through this regional partnership, students across east central Minnesota have the opportunity to earn college credit and explore career pathways while remaining connected to their home high schools.

ECMECC Member Schools

• Becker High School
• Braham Area High School
• Brandon-Evansville High School
• Cambridge-Isanti High School
• Chisago Lakes High School
• East Central High School
• Elk River High School
• Hinckley-Finlayson High School
• Isle High School
• Kimball High School
• Milaca High School
• Mora High School
• North Branch Area High School
• Ogilvie High School
• Osakis High School
• Pine City High School
• Princeton High School
• Rockford High School
• Rush City High School
• Sauk Centre High School

Academy offerings vary by school and academic year. Students should work with their high school counselor to determine which Pine Academy opportunities are available at their school.

Pine Academies use interactive technology (ITV) to connect students from multiple schools in one classroom experience. Courses are taught by PTCC faculty and delivered directly to participating high schools.

Depending on the academy, students may also participate in hands-on experiences, campus visits, and career exploration activities.

Pine Academies provide students with the opportunity to explore career interests, experience college expectations, and connect with students from across the region.

To participate in PTCC’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program, students must meet Minnesota eligibility requirements based on their grade level. Students who do not meet the criteria below are encouraged to contact PTCC to discuss available options.

Seniors (12th Grade)

Students must meet one of the following:

• Rank in the upper one-half of their class, or
• Score at or above the 50th percentile on a nationally standardized, norm-referenced test, or
• Have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Juniors (11th Grade)

General Education Courses

Students must meet one of the following:

• Rank in the upper one-third of their class, or
• Score at or above the 70th percentile on a nationally standardized, norm-referenced test, or
• Have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Courses

Students must meet one of the following:

• Rank in the upper one-third of their class, or
• Score at or above the 70th percentile on a nationally standardized, norm-referenced test, or
• Have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Sophomores (10th Grade)

Students must meet all of the following requirements:

• Rank in the upper one-tenth of their class, or score at or above the 90th percentile on a nationally standardized, norm-referenced test, or have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher; and
• Receive a favorable recommendation from a designated high school official.

Freshmen (9th Grade)

Students must meet all of the following requirements:

• Rank in the upper one-tenth of their class, or score at or above the 90th percentile on a nationally standardized, norm-referenced test, or have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher; and
• Receive a favorable recommendation from a designated high school official.

Questions About Eligibility?

If you are unsure whether you qualify for Pine Academy courses, contact the PTCC Admissions Office. Our team is happy to help you explore your options and determine your next steps.

Ready to become a PTCC Pine Academy student? Follow the steps below to complete the admission process.

Step 1: Apply to PTCC

Complete the online PSEO application for Pine Technical & Community College.

Step 2: Submit Your High School Transcript

Provide a copy of your current high school transcript (or homeschool transcript) so we can verify eligibility and review course placement options. Transcripts can be uploaded here or emailed to pseo@pine.edu.

Step 3: Complete Course Placement Requirements

PSEO students must meet the same course placement requirements as all PTCC students. Placement may be determined using:

• High school coursework and GPA
• ACT, SAT, or MCA scores
• Previous college coursework
• ACCUPLACER assessment results, if needed

ACT, SAT, or MCA scores may be uploaded here or emailed to pseo@pine.edu. In many cases, these scores are included on your high school transcript, so a separate copy may not be required.

Step 4: Watch for Your Admission Decision

Once all required documents have been received and reviewed, you will receive your admission decision by email.

Registration for Pine Academy courses is coordinated collaboratively between PTCC and participating high schools.

Students do not register themselves for Pine Academy courses. Instead, the Director of Dual Enrollment works closely with high school counselors to ensure students are enrolled in courses that support their academic goals.

Students who are also taking traditional PSEO courses may have additional registration requirements.

New Pine Academy students participate in orientation at the beginning of each semester. Orientation is coordinated by the Director of Dual Enrollment and is typically completed during the first week of class.

Students learn about:

• PTCC technology and student resources
• College expectations and academic success strategies
• Available support services
• Student responsibilities and policies
• Preparing for a successful semester

PTCC and your high school work together to create a support team dedicated to your success.

All Pine Academy students have access to PTCC resources and are assigned a Student Success Advisor. In addition, the Director of Dual Enrollment works closely with students and school counselors throughout the year to provide support, monitor progress, and help students navigate college expectations.

Students who need additional academic or accessibility support have access to the same resources available to all PTCC students.

Congratulations on your upcoming high school graduation, and thank you for participating in PTCC’s Pine Academy program!

Whether you plan to continue your education at PTCC or attend another college or university, we’re excited to celebrate this milestone and help you prepare for your next steps.

Continuing at PTCC?

We’d love to have you continue your journey with us. As a current PTCC student, you’re already familiar with our campus, faculty, and student resources.

To continue at PTCC:

• Update your application and select Undergraduate Degree-Seeking Student.
• Complete the FAFSA and apply for PTCC scholarships.
• Meet with an advisor to discuss your academic goals and register for classes.
• Watch your PTCC email for additional next steps related to your program of study.

Continue at PTCC

Attending Another College or University?

Your PTCC credits may transfer to your next institution. Be sure to:

• Request that your PTCC transcript be sent to your new college or university.
• Meet with your future institution to understand how your PTCC credits will apply toward your degree program.
• Continue applying for scholarships and financial aid opportunities.

Thank you for being part of the PTCC community. We wish you continued success in your educational journey, wherever your path leads next!

Students interested in automotive careers can develop foundational knowledge and technical skills through courses such as:

• Introduction to Autos
• Vehicle Service

Explore careers in business, entrepreneurship, and office technology while building professional skills in:

• Personal Finance
• Introduction to Business
• Business Computer Applications
• Human Relations in Business
• Business Information Systems

Students interested in information technology and cybersecurity can learn about computer systems, hardware, software, and security through courses such as:

• Workstation Operating Systems
• Computer Hardware Support
• Computer Software Support
• Cybersecurity Essentials

Prepare for careers working with children and families while exploring the field of early childhood education through courses including:

• Introduction to Early Childhood Education
• Health, Wellness, and Nutrition
• Behavior Guidance

Students interested in healthcare careers can build a strong foundation through courses such as:

• Introduction to Healthcare Careers
• Critical Thinking in Healthcare
• Medical Dosages
• Medical Terminology
• Pharmacology

Explore human behavior, development, and mental health while earning credits that apply toward many transfer pathways. Courses may include:

• General Psychology
• Lifespan Development
• Social Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology

Academy offerings and course availability are subject to change. Not all academies are available at every participating high school. Students should work with their high school counselor and the Director of Dual Enrollment to determine which opportunities are available at their school.