Skip To Main Content

Welcome to SWWC's Alternative Learning Centers

The mission of our Alternative Learning Centers is to enable students to be successful citizens, workers and leaders in a global economy and to ensure all students graduate from high school ready for college, careers and life. SWWC recognizes the unique needs and life circumstances of learners who require an alternative to the traditional school setting. The ALCs provide eligible students the opportunity to work toward high school graduation and earn a diploma from their home district.

SWWC's ALCs offer applied academics AND career exploration!
  • We teach academic subjects in the context of careers and citizenship with guest speakers and instructors as well as project-based learning.
  • We provide up-to-date employability skills training.
  • We offer individualized career and education planning system, including self-assessment of career interests and aptitudes.
  • We offer relevant CTE opportunities that match labor market needs and student interests by partnering with local high schools, Minnesota West and Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council.
  • We provide work-based learning opportunities, including site tours, job shadowing and internships.

What's the difference between an ELC and an ALC? Click to visit our FAQs

Program Criteria

Referrals must come through the home district.
  • Performs substantially below the performance-determined achievement test (MCA)
  • Behind in completing course work or obtaining credits for graduation
  • Speaks English as a second language or has limited English proficiency (LEP)
  • Is pregnant or is a parent, is a victim of physical or sexual abuse, has been assessed as chemically dependent and/or has experienced mental health problems
  • Has been excluded or expelled according to sections 121A.40 to 121A.56
  • Has been referred by a school district for enrollment in an eligible program or a program pursuant to section 124.D69
  • Has experienced homelessness sometime within six months before requesting a transfer to an eligible program
  • Has withdrawn from school or has been chronically truant

ALC Administration

Forms for Districts

2026-27 ALC Calendars

September 2026
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Sunday, August 30
Monday, August 31
Tuesday, September 1
Wednesday, September 2
Thursday, September 3
Friday, September 4
Saturday, September 5
Sunday, September 6
Monday, September 7
Tuesday, September 8
Wednesday, September 9
Thursday, September 10
Friday, September 11
Saturday, September 12
Sunday, September 13
Monday, September 14
Tuesday, September 15
Wednesday, September 16
Thursday, September 17
Friday, September 18
Saturday, September 19
Sunday, September 20
Monday, September 21
Tuesday, September 22
Wednesday, September 23
Thursday, September 24
Friday, September 25
Saturday, September 26
Sunday, September 27
Monday, September 28
Tuesday, September 29
Wednesday, September 30
Thursday, October 1
Friday, October 2
Saturday, October 3