By Jasalyn K. Lucas | Aug 30, 2024
(Clarksdale, Mississippi) – Coahoma Community College (CCC) is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with local school districts, including the West Bolivar Consolidated School District (WBCSD), Coahoma County School District (CCSD), and Clarksdale Municipal School District (CMSD), to launch the CCC Middle College Program. This innovative program will allow high school students to take full college courses, enabling them to graduate with both a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree.
The CCC Middle College Program is designed to bridge the gap between high school and higher education, providing students with an accelerated pathway to college readiness and career success. By allowing students to earn college credits while still in high school, the program offers a unique opportunity to reduce the cost and time of obtaining a college degree.
“We are excited to collaborate with our local school districts in launching this program,” said Dr. Towner, President of Coahoma Community College. “This partnership is about making our resources and services available to students and accelerating their education. We believe this program will ignite interest and provide benefits to students and their families. We look forward to working closely with everyone involved to make this initiative a success.”
Tolernisa Butler, Educational Outreach Director at CCC, who spearheaded the effort to establish this partnership, added, “This initiative reflects our commitment to expanding access to higher education and providing pathways for success. We are thrilled to see the positive impact it will have on our local students.”
Students participating in the Middle College Program who achieve a GPA of 3.5 or higher will have the opportunity to graduate with honors and join prestigious honor societies, such as Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). These students will be recognized for their academic excellence and leadership, enhancing their college applications and future career prospects.
Dr. Virginia Young, Superintendent of Coahoma County School District (CCSD), who initially approached Dr. Towner about the Middle College opportunity, shared her excitement. “I am thrilled about this opportunity for our students,” said Dr. Young. “The launch of Middle College at CCC will positively impact education in our area, encouraging more students to strive for academic excellence and setting higher standards for achievement.”
Latasha Turner, Curriculum Director of CCSD, emphasized the program’s significance, stating, “We are dedicated to providing our students with every opportunity to excel. The Middle College Program represents a significant step forward in achieving this goal.”
This initiative will open doors to advance education and career opportunities. Graduates will be well-prepared to continue their studies at four-year institutions or enter the workforce with a competitive edge.
L’Kenna Whitehead, Superintendent of West Bolivar Consolidated School District (WBCSD), expressed his support for the new program, “This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to prepare students to be college and career-ready. It gives them the chance to start college-level work while still in high school, providing a head start on their future.”
Precious Redmond, Curriculum Director at WBCSD, added, “Starting college before actually graduating high school allows students to advance their education in unprecedented ways, setting them up for greater success.”
Dr. Toya Harrell-Mathews, Superintendent of Clarksdale Municipal School District (CMSD), also expressed her enthusiasm, “We are excited about this continued partnership. This program aligns with our mission of preparing students for both college and careers. We are eager to see them earn both a diploma and a college degree, and we look forward to growing this program for years to come.”
Herbert Smith, Curriculum Director of CMSD, added, “We are thrilled to support our students through this initiative. During the application process, many students expressed their excitement about getting a head start on their careers and contributing to their families and community by partnering with our hometown HBCU. We are grateful for this opportunity.”
The CCC Middle College Program will begin this fall, and eligible students from the participating districts are encouraged to enroll. For more information on the program and enrollment details, please visit the Coahoma Community College website or contact your local high school counselor.
