For Immediate Release

Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: January 28, 2026

Dual credit options open Criminal Justice pathway for high school senior

Fennimore -

High school senior Hewsten Garcia-Boland is already building momentum toward a career in criminal justice, thanks in part to dual credit coursework through Southwest Wisconsin Technical College.

Garcia-Boland, a senior at Ithaca High School who lives in Hillpoint, has taken advantage of Southwest Tech’s dual credit opportunities to earn college credits while still in high school. Through the program, students can complete college-level coursework at reduced or no cost, helping them save time and money while exploring career pathways.

He first learned about dual credit through his high school counselors, who work closely with students interested in youth apprenticeships and college planning. He said their guidance helped him choose courses that align with his long-term goals. “Having counselors who really understand college options and how classes connect to your future field makes a huge difference,” he said.

So far, Garcia-Boland has completed six college credits through Southwest Tech and expects to finish high school with 12 credits. His coursework has included online psychology and English composition classes, as well as criminal justice courses taught by Southwest Tech instructor Gary Roberts. One of those classes included a hybrid format with an in-person component held at the Grant County Sheriff’s Office in Lancaster. “That was really cool,” said Garcia-Boland. “Most of the work was online, but we met in person once a month. It gave us a real-world look at the field and made the class more engaging.”

Garcia-Boland plans to major in criminal justice at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville beginning in fall 2026. His interest in the field is deeply personal. Adopted at age 11, Garcia-Boland said he wants to pursue criminal justice to help young people who may be facing difficult circumstances. “I want to help kids who have to go through what I did and hopefully make sure they don’t have the same experiences,” he said.

Southwest Tech offers a range of criminal justice courses and pathways designed to prepare students for careers in law enforcement, corrections and related fields, while also allowing credits to transfer to four-year institutions. For students like Garcia-Boland, the opportunity to begin that pathway early can be transformative.

Garcia-Boland said his parents encouraged him to take as many college credits as possible while still in high school, especially general education courses that apply to many majors. “It’s a great way to get a head start on college,” he said. “You save money, save time and can focus more on advanced learning later.”

After attending a five-day State Patrol Academy experience for high school students at Fort McCoy last summer, Garcia-Boland now hopes to become a Wisconsin State Patrol officer. Long term, he said he would also consider becoming an FBI field agent if the opportunity arises.

Garcia-Boland encourages other high school students to explore dual credit options, even if they are unsure of their future career. “Talk to your school counselor and start with general education classes,” he said. “It’s a free opportunity, and it really helps you figure out your next steps.”

Learn more: swtc.edu/publicsafety

| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. The college was named the winner of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence in 2025. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online, HyFlex and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare student for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |