A partnership between William Carey University and Hattiesburg High School has been named as one of the top community partnerships in the state by the Mississippi Association of Partners in Education, a network of educators and community partners.
The partnership, now in its fourth year, includes an ACT and college preparatory program for Hattiesburg High students in the spring. Students who complete the four program sessions, including three ACT prep sessions at Hattiesburg High and a College Day session at Carey, are offered scholarships to the university.
The sessions are led by members of the Carey Scholars, a group of top students selected for their academic excellence, and representatives from the admissions office. The sessions focus on academic subjects, including English, writing, mathematics and science, along with information on applying for college, seeking financial aid and having a successful collegiate career.
Scholars under the leadership of Dr. Scott Hummel, the university's provost, had previously provided tutoring services to Lilly Burney Elementary School and to N.R. Burger Middle School when the idea of a partnership with the high school was developed. Hummel and members of the scholars met with officials from the Hattiesburg School District to propose the idea.
"Our Carey Scholars who were first-generation college students were especially interested in helping other students navigate the process of being admitted into college and successfully completing college. They felt like this partnership allowed them to use their skills and talents to help other students succeed," said Hummel. "The Hattiesburg High administration and faculty members were fantastic in working with our scholars."
Jermaine Brown, principal of Hattiesburg High School, said the partnership is working.
"The partnership's primary purpose is to help with tutoring efforts to raise ACT scores, which have always been a primary indicator for college readiness," he said. "The students who participated in all four sessions outlined in the partnership have increased ACT scores and have received scholarship offers from Carey."
Hummel said Carey receives numerous benefits from the partnership as well.
"Carey is pleased to invest in the kind of student who attends all four sessions because it shows their discipline and drive to succeed," he said. "The partnership instills not only servanthood, but also leadership skills to our students."
Those values are key to Carey's mission, according to Hummel.
"Service and the values instilled by service are at the core of our mission and identity as a Christian university," he said. "Wherever our students are from, they are now a part of our community. These kind of community partnerships make our Carey graduates more likely to serve wherever they live."
Brown said the partnership is a great example of what can happen when partners work together for the common good.
"The partnership is a shining example of any partnership that could exist between a high school and a university," he said. "It's a win-win for both parties."
Dr. Tyler Hodges, director of the Carey Scholars program and an assistant professor of biological sciences, said the partnership's next sessions will be held from March 2-4 at Hattiesburg High and on March 10 at Carey.
"I am always extremely impressed with both Hattiesburg High students and the Carey Scholars who participate as mentors," said Hodges. "The partnership is mutually beneficial."
The partnership will be presented with the Partnership Excellence Award during the annual MAPE Governor's Awards luncheon at the Hilton Jackson on March 15.