4 December ICC Hosts Insight Luncheon Showcasing Bloom Neurodivergent Program December 4, 2025 By Camp, Tyler W General 0 Itawamba Community College hosted its annual Insight Luncheon Nov. 21 at the Belden Center, spotlighting the college’s Bloom Neurodivergent Program for high school counselors, career coaches, business owners and community leaders. During the luncheon, guests were immersed in Bloom’s mission, its students and the program’s newest expansion, Bloom Academy. Dr. Michelle Clouse, vice president of Instruction, and Andrea Hardin, Bloom coordinator, shared updates on Bloom’s current structure, student progress and long-term plans to expand both academic and workforce-readiness opportunities. “Bloom began with a simple belief: that every student, regardless of learning differences, deserves the opportunity to pursue their education, develop independence and contribute their gifts to the world around them,” ICC President Dr. Jay Allen said. “This program represents hope, possibility and our commitment to ensuring that every student has a place where they can grow, contribute and truly bloom.” Allen also underscored the importance of community partnerships in sustaining and growing the program. “Unlike most ICC students, Bloom students pay full tuition, and ICC receives no state reimbursement for this program,” he said. “Bloom only grows through partnerships with counselors and career coaches who refer students, to businesses willing to open their doors, to supporters who believe in the power of investing in people.” ICC's Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society students facilitated a survey during the event to gather data for their research on connecting neurodivergent students with meaningful career pathways. They also assisted with guest engagement and event logistics. The Insight Luncheon series began last year as a way to highlight innovative educational initiatives and strengthen connections with external partners. ICC’s inaugural luncheon in 2024 featured Middle College, a collaborative program between ICC and the Tupelo Public School District. This year’s event was co-coordinated by ICC’s PTK as part of its Honors in Action project. For more information about the Bloom Neurodivergent Program at ICC, visit bloom.iccms.edu. Related Articles ICC initiates innovative Bloom program With the beginning of the 2025 spring semester, Itawamba Community College has initiated an innovative Bloom program, which is for neurodivergent students who need extra support although they either have a high school diploma or certificate or looking to gain work credentials through career education. Areas of assistance include, but are not limited to, social skills lessons, extra tutoring help with navigating college life and all Bloom support opportunities. This week, the College announced that Andrea Hardin of Corinth has been employed as the program’s coordinator. The Bloom Academy, which consists of a four-day orientation and customized four-semester program, focuses on developing essential life, academic and career readiness skills. Hardin said that each student will be evaluated and transitioned to a high school equivalency path or provided enhanced assistance with daily life skills. “We will meet the students where they are and help them meet their full potential.” One of the goals for the program, Hardin said, is to create employment-ready individuals who take great pride in their jobs/careers. “We are anticipating partnerships with area companies to ensure we ... Insight Luncheon showcases ICC/TPSD Middle College initiative An Insight Luncheon, Dec. 16, at Itawamba Community College’s Belden Center showcased and highlighted its partnership with Tupelo High School and the success of its Middle College as well as recognized individuals who have been instrumental in both implementing and continuing its significant journey. “Today we gather to celebrate an incredible partnership and program that is making a meaningful impact in our community,” said ICC President Dr. Jay Allen. “We are honored to host many distinguished guests today, including educators, administrators, community leaders and supporters who share our vision for empowering students and shaping the future. Your presence here speaks volumes about your commitment to education and your desire to invest in the success of our young people.” Among those Allen recognized was Stewart McMillen, who before she joined the CREATE Foundation staff, assisted with the original coordination of Middle College in her role with the Tupelo Public Schools. During the luncheon, attendees heard inspirational stories of success, learned about the program’s achievements and witnessed firsthand the transformative impact the program has had on the students, their families and ... ICC hosts Emerging Scholars Luncheon to honor exceptional high school seniors High school seniors with a 24+ ACT score will be honored during an Emerging Scholars Luncheon, which begins at 11 a.m., Nov. 17, at the Itawamba Community College Fulton Campus. “The event is an opportunity for the select group of high school seniors to learn more about the academic and involvement opportunities for honor students at ICC,” said Jake Hartfield, director of recruitment and orientation. The schedule includes check in from 10:45-11 a.m. followed by lunch and sessions focusing on opportunities for scholars, Q & A student leader panel and an overview of Phi Theta Kappa and Honors College. Housing and campus tours are optional. “Participants can learn more about a variety of opportunities including scholarships, honors and peer tutoring,” Hartfield said, “and current student leaders will share information about how to balance academic life and involvement.” Due to COVID-19 guidelines, guests are not able to attend with prospective students. Registration is available at http://www.iccms.edu/emergingscholars. For more information, email go2icc@iccms.edu. Application deadline approaches for ICC health science programs Itawamba Community College’s School of Health Science programs are designed to prepare individuals for employment in the healthcare field, and the application deadline for fall 2025 is rapidly approaching for 10 of the 11 programs. Students interested in ICC’s Associate Degree Nursing, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Health Information Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology, Physical Therapist Assistant Technology, Practical Nursing, Public Health Technology, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care Technology and Surgical Technology must submit their online application and meet the requirements by May 1. According to Tonya Vaughn, Dean of Health Science Instruction, the only exception is Emergency Medical Sciences, which has an application deadline of Aug. 1 for the fall class. “Those who complete ICC’s health science programs earn either a certificate of completion or an Associate of Applied Science degree at the conclusion of their programs,” Vaughn said. “With our sophomores in all programs nearing the end of their study and preparation to enter the workforce, it is both a sad and happy time. We are excited for them as they take their place ... ICC signs preferred candidate program agreement with MHP; only community college in the state selected Itawamba Community College signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a Preferred Candidate Program with the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Jan. 26, at the Tupelo Campus. The initiative is a pilot program that will be implemented at ICC, the only community college in the state selected. “Itawamba Community College is more than excited about this partnership with the Mississippi Highway Patrol,” said ICC President Dr. Jay Allen. “According to research, having successfully completed a college degree substantially improves the knowledge and abilities of officers on a vast range of areas from the criminal justice system to conceptual and managerial skills.” The agreement will allow those who are enrolled to pursue either an A.A. or A.A.S. degree in ICC’s Criminal Justice program, meet with an MHP recruiter and apply for the MHP Preferred Candidate Program to skip weeks of the Mississippi Highway Patrol Academy. In order to graduate from the MHP Preferred Candidate Program, students must complete one or more semesters of the MHP Candidates on Rapid Entry curriculum, earn the associate’s degree from ICC, meet the C.O.R.E. Patrol School PT requirements ... ICC students can take advantage of Mississippi Works Career-Tech Scholars Program Itawamba Community College students who enroll in one of 18 career education programs this fall can take advantage of a new scholarship program. The Mississippi Works Career-Tech Scholars Program, administered by the Mississippi Community College Board, has been established to serve as a state-assisted tuition scholarship program for eligible community and junior college students by providing tuition financial assistance to those who enroll in approved, in-demand Career Education certificate and Associate of Applied Science degree programs identified through sector analysis to meet the workforce demands of the state, according to Emily Tucker, ICC adviser and recruitment coordinator. Programs at ICC include Emergency Medical Tech-Paramedic, Health Information Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, Practical Nursing, Public Health Technology, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care Technology, Surgical Technology, Computer Networking Technology, Industrial Maintenance Technology, Precision Manufacturing and Machining Technology, Welding and Cutting Technology, Computer Programming Technology, Diesel Equipment Technology, Electrical Technology, Automotive Technology and Collision Repair Technology. To be eligible for the program, students must be legal residents of Mississippi, admitted to an approved Mississippi Works ... Comments are closed.