17 December Insight Luncheon showcases ICC/TPSD Middle College initiative December 17, 2024 By Thomas, Donna S. General 0 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 communities. It also helped provide a better understanding of its value and the importance for continued support. “The Middle College program is a powerful example of what can happen when we come together with a shared vision for empowering our young people,” according to Allyson Cummings, speech instructor, who served as emcee for the program. “As an instructor for Middle College students who take public speaking at ICC, I can personally attest to the impact of this program. Through the Middle College program, students are gaining an incredible head start on their educational and career journeys, blending high school and college-level opportunities, all while building the skills and confidence to succeed in today’s world.” Tupelo High School and Middle College counselor Brittany Terrell, who with ICC dean of Advising and the Tupelo Campus Mande Miller, has been involved in the journey since its inception. Her question-and-answer panel discussion with current participants yielded insight regarding student expectations and experiences, including student involvement, opportunities to make friends and memories and enhanced study to prepare for the rigor of the college classroom. A student-friendly schedule at ICC enables participants to have work and study flexibility, according to multiple members of the panel. “I am proud of the success these students have shown,” Terrell said previously. “I have witnessed students come out of their shell and find confidence in their academic abilities. Not only have they blossomed academically, but they are heavily involved with ICC’s extracurriculars, clubs and organizations.” Tupelo Public School Superintendent Dr. Rob Picou also expressed appreciation for the Middle College partnership with ICC and noted the importance of the opportunity that the innovative program provides in today’s educational system. “Education is an industry,” he said. “We are equipping our students with the skills to compete in a highly competitive workforce in a global, highly technical environment.” He noted that Middle College is one of five career academies within the Tupelo Public School District, calling the initiative one that has the greatest possible impact and a positive innovation. Picou called Middle College the tip of the iceberg and “what could be the most promising innovation to come along in education in our lifetime. It is a fusion between K-12, community college and industry to provide employees that will elevate the state of Mississippi and our communities to their fullest potential.” More than 70 students have successfully participated in Middle College since its creation in 2019 with a 91 percent completion rate, Allen said. “What a testament to the many individuals and services that work daily to help these students thrive. Often this support starts at home. Parents and guardians play a role in helping Middle College students navigate this transition to higher education.” Among those are Liz Autry, who shared a parent’s perspective as the mother of two participants. Students who are involved in the Middle College journey are not alone, she said. In telling her story, she encouraged students to consider participating. “Sometimes students who have potential need a change of scenery (from high school).” Through the innovative Middle College, students can simultaneously earn their high school diploma and 60 plus hours of college credit. Students are placed in a more supportive and transitional environment that bridges the gap to higher education. With the support of ICC and THS personnel, students learn soft skills such as communicating with instructors, time management skills and responsibility, all imperative for overall preparedness at the university level. Prior to their junior year, THS students must have a 3.0 grade point average or higher, ACT math score of 19 and English score of 17. Attending were Tupelo community and industry leaders, state elected officials/leaders, local superintendents of education, current THS Middle College students and representatives from ICC and the Tupelo Public School District. Related Articles Itawamba Community College receives $100,000 and joins 41 other schools across the US as All Within My Hands' Metallica Scholars Initiative expands in year five Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands, continues its multimillion-dollar investment in critical workforce programs at community colleges nationwide. Among the schools, Itawamba Community College was selected from a competitive pool of applicants to receive $100,000 to transform the futures of students in the community. “It is a tremendous honor for Itawamba Community College to be selected as one of the recipients of the prestigious All Within My Hands grant, which will significantly impact our career education programs, providing funding for students to pursue a pathway and their best start,” said ICC President Dr. Jay Allen. “It is another indication of the success of the College and reinforcement of the mission that students and their success are our top priority.” The Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) was launched in 2019 by Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). The workforce initiative marks its fifth year with an ambitious expansion into new curricula. MSI now directly supports 42 community colleges across 33 states, and by the end of this year, it will have helped ... Itawamba Community College joins national initiative on College Cost Transparency Itawamba Community College has joined the College Cost Transparency Initiative, a coalition of more than 360 higher education institutions that have voluntarily committed to follow a set of principles and standards that ensure transparency, clarity and understanding around student financial aid offers, which was announced this week. Together, these institutions serve more than 3.5 million college students in the United States. “Choosing to attend college is one of the most significant financial aid decisions a student or family can make,” said ICC President Dr. Jay Allen. “Knowing how much it will cost up front is crucial, and ICC is committed to providing students clear and accurate financial information. We are proud to be a partner in this work.” The monumental commitment comes as lawmakers, think tanks and government entities continue to scrutinize the financial aid offers that colleges and universities present to students. The principles and standards recommended by the CCT – a task force composed of the leaders of 10 higher education associations representing college presidents, financial aid offices and admissions and school counselors which originated ... Three years later...Neither ICC nor TPSD could have imagined magnitude of Middle College success Three years ago, neither Itawamba Community College nor the Tupelo Public School District could have imagined the magnitude of success of its Middle College partnership. The accelerated journey to simultaneously achieving diplomas from both institutions has grown significantly, according to Brittany Terrell, transition counselor. “When reflecting on the past three years of the Middle College program, I am proud of the success these students have shown. I have witnessed students come out of their shell and find confidence in their academic abilities. Not only have they blossomed academically, but they are heavily involved with ICC’s extracurriculars, clubs and organizations.” Jay Salters of Tupelo, who received both his Tupelo High School and Itawamba Community College diplomas last spring, was president of the Tupelo Campus Student Government Association, one of only 12 members selected by faculty and staff members to the prestigious Hall of Fame and a member of the ICC Indian Delegation and a THS Ambassador. He was invited into membership in both Phi Theta Kappa (ICC) and the National Honor Society (THS). However, he’s not the only example. Austin Acosta, currently a ... TPSD, ICC partner to form middle college In a historic move to provide additional educational opportunities for students, a joint agreement was codified between the Tupelo Public School District and Itawamba Community College on Tuesday to create an innovative Middle College. The first of its kind in North Mississippi, this program will allow qualified Tupelo High School students to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree from ICC. Launching in August, an initial pilot cohort of THS juniors will attend classes at the ICC Tupelo campus for the majority of the school day while also taking class at THS. Both entities spent the spring aligning their respective school’s calendars and planning a course of study options. “This is a great opportunity for our students to get ahead and graduate high school with two years of college under their belts,” said TPSD Superintendent Dr. Rob Picou, who also implemented a similar program while in Alaska. “The Middle College isn’t designed for every student, but for those who qualify, it’s the perfect model to graduate high school and enter college as a junior. From the parents I’ve ... Aspen Institute names ICC as a Top 150 U.S. Community College Aspen Institute Names Itawamba Community College as a Top 150 U.S. Community College Eligible for 2021 Aspen Prize $1 Million Prize Recognizes Excellence in Equitable Outcomes for Students in and After College The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program today named Itawamba Community College as one of 150 community colleges eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America's community colleges. Based on strong and improving in student outcomes—including in learning, completion rates, employment rates and earnings and equity—15 percent of community colleges nationwide have been invited to apply for the Aspen Prize. “It is a tremendous honor for Itawamba Community College to be selected as one of the top 150 community colleges in the nation and the opportunity to compete for the significant Aspen Prize,” said ICC President Dr. Jay Allen. “It is another indication of the success of the College, its status as a premier community college and a testament to our exceptional faculty and staff.” The 150 community colleges named today as eligible to compete for the ... ICC, TPSD sign MOU for innovative Associate Degree Nursing Preferred Candidacy Middle College program to begin this fall Itawamba Community College and the Tupelo Public School District signed a memorandum of understanding today to announce the innovative Associate Degree Nursing Preferred Candidacy Middle College program, which will begin this fall. The agreement, which was signed by ICC President Dr. Jay Allen and TPSD Superintendent Dr. Robert Picou in a formal ceremony, will promote early entry into the two-year nursing program. Qualified applicants will begin this track in their junior year. “Graduating seniors are often attracted to the idea of ‘going away’ to experience the first year of college,” Allen said. “Many of those graduates return home for various reasons and do not have a degree. If we can attract graduates early, we can educate them and give them an opportunity early that will open unlimited doors.” “Nursing offers a variety of job opportunities, both locally and beyond,” said Dr. Dana Walker, director of ICC’s Associate Degree Nursing program. During recent years, nursing programs across the nation have experienced a decline in qualified applicants. “The early entry opportunity would offer high quality students who are focused on ... Comments are closed.