The Early College Academy (ECA) of Butler Community College will offer MyTrack courses starting Fall 2025. This program will mark the first ECA pathway available at McConnell Air Force Base and is open to both military and non-military affiliated high school students. 

The MyTrack option is a transferable, personalized Liberal Arts associate degree track for high school students who take specific courses each semester for both high school and college credits. In addition, students may select two electives of their choice each term. Both morning and afternoon classes will be offered. 

Housing ECA classes at McConnell is meant to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Butler’s location at McConnell. “We know that military families are a huge part of who we serve [at McConnell], so it seemed interesting to ask if there would be interest in having it on base. There was a lot of interest, so we started making preparations,” said Christy Streeter, former associate dean of online, high school & community learning. Streeter left her position in mid-February of this year. 

Students are currently interviewing with the ECA department to secure their placement in this academy option. There are ten total spots with more than half of the seats currently available. In the past, the ECA has accepted many military affiliated students along with civilian students. 

“Military dependents with a valid military ID will enjoy waived student fees for on-site classes at McConnell, with the exception of online elective courses,” Erika Gestring, McConnell campus and Service Center director, said. “Additionally, they will receive a $10 discount per credit hour on the technology fee. These benefits can be combined with the 12-credit hour scholarship available to military dependents, as well as the high school waiver.” 

According to Streeter, “military affiliated students will save roughly $2000 in their two-year ECA program by taking classes with the huge fee reduction that military family members receive on base.”