Name Change For Business Course At MCC

McHenry County College announces that the Academy for High Performance has changed its name to Fast Track, a program offering professional certificates and accelerated degree programs for adults.
Fast Track is the only program in McHenry County that provides professional certificates and degree programs for adults ages 24 and older who are looking to enhance their skill sets or career in a convenient, team-based setting. Students can earn a certificate in two years or less and an Associate in Applied Science degree in three or four years, depending on the program, by attending classes one night per week.
For the past 15 years, the Fast Track program has partnered with more than 150 local businesses to offer workers an opportunity to continue their education by taking night classes. More than 90 percent of Fast Track students have earned a certificate and/or an Associate in Applied Science degree. The majority of the students have received one or more promotions since starting the program.
According to Melissa Stutz, director of Fast Track, the renaming took place because it was time to take a fresh look at the program’s overall role.
“With the current economy changing how businesses operate in our community, it’s necessary for us to review how we, too, are operating and to make adjustments to better serve the students and our community,” Stutz said. “With input from students, we changed the name to Fast Track to better represent the program’s philosophy and direction.”
In a traditional setting, if a student took one class, one night a week per semester, he or she would finish an associate’s degree in approximately 10 years, Stutz explained, but with the Fast Track program, a student would finish in three to four years.
“Students who are enrolled in the program say they enjoy the cohort format, integrated courses that relate to their everyday life, and the flexible scheduling,” she said.
In addition to participating in the uniquely integrated courses that combine general education with leadership and/or technical courses, Fast Track students develop performance skills such as communication, critical thinking, flexibility, organization, problem solving, and team building. Many students look to advance into managerial positions.
Three major program areas are available, including Business Management, Construction Management and Manufacturing Management. Online courses are available in Business Management.
To register or for more information on the Fast Track program, visit www.mchenry.edu/fasttrack or contact Melissa Stutz at (815) 455-8611 or mstutz@mhenry.edu.