Central Wisconsin News

Lincoln High School students in Wisconsin Rapids will soon have the chance to earn an associate degree in Business Management before graduating, following a new partnership between Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools and Mid-State Technical College. The recently announced Business Management Academy allows high school students to complete college-level courses that count toward both their high school diploma and a college degree.

The program uses a combination of classroom, online, and hybrid course formats to provide flexibility for students. Tuition costs are reduced to about one-third of the standard rate, with additional funding provided through dual credit programs and Start College Now support.

Students who finish the academy will graduate with five credentials: an associate degree in Business Management, along with technical diplomas as a Customer Relationship Professional, Entrepreneur, Human Resources Assistant, and Office Support Specialist.

Ben Nusz, dean of Mid-State’s School of Business and Information Technology, said, “The Business Management Academy gives students a powerful head start on both college and career. By the time they graduate from high school, they’ll already have a college degree and multiple credentials that are highly valued by local employers. This is real-world readiness at its best, and it saves families significant time and money.”

Ronald Rasmussen, superintendent of Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools, added: “We are thrilled to partner with Mid-State to provide this exceptional opportunity to our students. The Business Management Academy gives them the chance to graduate with not only a high school diploma, but also a college degree and multiple workforce-ready credentials. It’s a powerful investment in their future and in the future of our community.”

Program graduates will also be able to transfer credits toward a bachelor’s degree at four-year universities. More information about the academy is available at https://www.mstc.edu/business-academy.

Mid-State representatives plan to attend back-to-school nights at Wisconsin Rapids Area Middle School and Lincoln High School this fall to answer questions about the program before its launch in fall 2026.