The W, EMCC, Rotary Club establish partnership to advance first-gen students
Mississippi University for Women, East Mississippi Community College and the Rotary Club of Columbus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement to encourage first-generation college students.
“I am pleased to partner with the Rotary Club of Columbus and EMCC for the Lowndes Fyrst program – as President of The W, as a Rotarian and as a first-generation college graduate. Partnering with EMCC and Rotary will have an impact on these students and their families,” said W President Nora Miller.
Miller, EMCC President Dr. Scott Alsobrooks and Rotary Club of Columbus President Lauren Barker signed the MOU Wed., July 17 during a ceremony that took place in The W’s Cochran Hall.
Under the agreement, The W and EMCC will provide supportive programming for first-generation college students while financial assistance will be provided by the Rotary Club of Columbus. The W and EMCC will recruit up to 10 students each to participate in Lowndes First-generation Youth Realizing Success Together (FYRST) Leaders.
“It can be challenging for first-generation students to navigate college without the benefit of family members who are familiar with the process,” Alsobrooks said. “I am grateful to the Rotary Club of Columbus and Mississippi University for Women for the opportunity to provide much-needed resources to our first-generation students. Studies have shown that children of parents who graduate from college or a university are more likely to enroll in an institution of higher learning and complete their studies. This program has the potential to both benefit first-generation students and to impact future generations as well.”
Lowndes FYRST will establish learning communities and provide seminars relevant to first generation college students at The W and EMCC. Throughout the 2024-25 academic year, Lowndes FYRST participants will attend personal development seminars, celebrate National First Gen Day and attend a retreat where students will network with local business and community leaders.
According to Clear Moore, director of The W’s Student Success Center, first generation students are pioneers in their families but graduate at a 29% lower rate than their peers nationally. “We hope to help Lowndes County first-gen students to meet their goals of completion by leveraging their strengths and giving them effective support,” said Moore.
“When Clear Moore brought this idea to me over a year ago, I knew I wanted our club to be involved. Not only does this initiative support education, but it also has the potential to create future leaders. We are proud to provide the initial investment that will enable Lowndes FYRST to get off the ground,” said Barker.
Lowndes FYRST Leaders will also conduct an annual service project aimed at upcoming first-generation college students who are still in local high schools.
The signed agreement is effective immediately and will continue from year to year for a maximum of three years.
Miller added, “This program is a great tie-in to our Community Read, ‘First Gen’ by Alejandra Campoverdi.
The novel is described as, “Part memoir, part manifesto, ‘First Gen’ is a story of generational inheritance, aspiration and the true meaning of belonging—a gripping journey to ‘reclaim the parts of ourselves we sacrificed in order to survive.’” Each year, the Community Read seeks to bring The W and the Columbus community together for a shared learning experience. A book is selected and events are hosted throughout the year, beginning in the fall.
About EMCC
East Mississippi Community College is a public community college serving six counties in East Central Mississippi, offering university-parallel programs, career-technical programs and workforce programs. EMCC is dedicated to improving the quality of life for our students, our community and our personnel through instructional opportunities, with specific focus on a healthy mind, body and spirit.