27 February Three years later...Neither ICC nor TPSD could have imagined magnitude of Middle College success February 27, 2024 By Thomas, Donna S. General 0 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 senior majoring in engineering at Mississippi State University, where he transferred in 2022 with two years of engineering classes from ICC. Originally from Mexico, Acosta and his family moved to the United States in search of better opportunities. Encouraged by his family to apply for the Middle College program while in high school, Austin became a first-generation college student. At first, he was undecided about his decision and intimidated about being a college student while still in high school. However, he flourished during his time at ICC, where he was selected as a tutor for ICC’s Instructional Support Team and was awarded the Phi Theta Kappa transfer scholarship to MSU. “Middle College helped me network with instructors and other peers in my major,” Acosta said. “I excelled academically because I learned how to step out of my comfort zone to form study groups with my peers and ask for help from my instructors. The sciences I took at ICC were demanding, and I had to learn how to study at the collegiate level rather than a traditional high school course. I was able to carry these tools to MSU, and I am grateful for everything I learned while at ICC.” Through the innovative Middle College, students can simultaneously earn their high school diploma and 60 plus hours of college credit. “It is truly a partnership between ICC and TPSD, a collaboration that focuses on the students and how we can work to best prepare them for the next level, whether that is a senior college or directly to the workforce,” said ICC President Dr. Jay Allen. Terrell said that 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 that are imperative for overall preparedness at the university level. “This program encourages independence, dedication toward the students’ educational interests and opportunities for career exploration as well as offers opportunities to build their resume with club involvement. Lastly, participants are exposed to more scholarship opportunities at the university level through different organizations offered at ICC, including Phi Theta Kappa. “This is a great opportunity for our students to get ahead and graduate high school with two years of college under their belts,” said Dr. Rob Picou, superintendent of the Tupelo Public School District. “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.” At its inception in 2020, Middle College consisted of 10 students. There has been a significant increase of students interested in the program, and currently there are 40 participants. 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. “The obvious advantages of the Middle College program include college credits, time and cost savings and bridging the gap from high school to college,” Terrell said. Participants are introduced to the academic rigor, expectations and responsibilities of higher education. Students thoroughly enjoy taking college level courses tailored to their individual interests and are able to explore potential career paths thus making more informed decisions about their future. They gain a sense of self-confidence, independence and personal growth through this process. As a vital part of the partnership between TPSD and ICC, Terrell serves as a designated counselor to remain at the college with the students to ensure academic, personal/social and career needs are met, thus maintaining the program’s success. With its ever-expanding participation in the Middle College initiative, ICC continues to make accommodations in terms of spacing and academic resources to ensure overall student success. Additionally, since the inception of the Middle College, ICC has transitioned to an innovative determination of majors method that is designed to enable students to connect better with their field of study as well as with their cohorts in the same area. All academic majors are now being grouped into schools which are tailored to the institution where students plan to transfer or career fields in which they wish to work. In addition, this transition creates more peer support and intensive preparation for college and career success. “Any and all options through the schools of academics are also available for Middle College students and open up more opportunities for collaborative learning and internships,” said Mande Miller, Dean of Advising and director of the Tupelo Campus, who collaborates with Terrell to ensure the success of program participants. Related Articles 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 ... 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 ... 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 ... 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 ... Aspen Institute names ICC as one of nation's top 150 and eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence Today, the Aspen Institute named Itawamba Community College as one of the 150 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. The institutions selected for this honor stand out among more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide as having high improving levels of student success as well as equitable outcomes for Black and Hispanic students and those from lower-income backgrounds. “It is a tremendous honor for Itawamba Community College to be selected as one of the top 150 community colleges in the nation and to afforded 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 continuing status as a premier community college and a testament to our exceptional faculty and staff, without whom it would not be possible.” ICC was selected as a top community college in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021 and as a semifinalist in 2023. The Aspen Prize spotlights exemplary community ... 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 ... Comments are closed.