LCSD, The W sign MOU creating career pathways, dual enrollment opportunities
Lowndes County School District (LCSD) and Mississippi University for Women have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) creating six career pathway programs allowing high school students to explore career options affordably.
Representatives from both Lowndes County School District and Mississippi University for Women participate in signing a Memorandum of Understanding today (March 11) at The W that will create clear pathways to degrees and careers. They include LCSD Superintendent Dr. Sam Allison and W President Nora Miller.
University President Nora Miller and LCSD Superintendent Dr. Sam Allison signed the agreement Tuesday, March 11 during a ceremony in The W’s Cochran Hall.
“The Lowndes County School District is pleased to partner with Mississippi University for Women to expand opportunities for our students. We appreciate MUW’s efforts in making these opportunities possible and look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have on our students’ futures,” Allison said.
“This partnership opens exciting, affordable opportunities for Lowndes County School District students to explore their interests and gain valuable skills that can lead to future career success,” said Miller.
Tuition for courses included in The W’s Dual Enrollment Pathways will be fully covered by university scholarship. All other dual enrollment/dual credit courses available to LCSD will be charged a partner school rate.
The career pathways offered include business, education, nursing and leadership, along with career tech programs in culinary arts and healthcare. Each pathway includes three courses allowing students to thoroughly preview the career options while simultaneously meeting degree requirements saving students time and money.
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Scott Tollison said, “It is exciting for The W to enter this dual-enrollment agreement with Lowndes County School District. In particular, I am excited to see these emerging scholars get an edge in pursuing high-demand, workforce-driven programs.”
To be eligible for dual enrollment/credit, students must be classified as a junior or higher, must have a minimum overall high school GPA 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and must have taken the ACT/SAT at least once and received a minimum composite score of 16. Students who are not classified as a junior or higher can be admitted with a minimum overall 3.0 GPA on all high school courses and with a minimum composite ACT score of 30 or the equivalent SAT score.
Dual enrollment courses will begin in fall 2025.
To learn more about the pathways or dual enrollment opportunities at The W, please visit: www.muw.edu/admissions/dualenrollment/.
Located in historic Columbus, Mississippi, The W was founded in 1884 as the first state-supported college for women in the United States. Today, the university is home to 2,193 students in more than 70 majors and concentrations and has educated men for 40 years. The university is nationally recognized for low student debt, community and social mobility which empowers students to BE BOLD.
About LCSD
Led by Superintendent Dr. Sam Allison, the Lowndes County School District, which includes Caledonia, New Hope and West Lowndes, serves more than 5,200 students in 10 schools. Its mission is to challenge all students to attain their greatest potential.