Published: April 30, 2008 12:15 am            

Local school districts sign landmark agreement with MCC

A just-signed historical agreement will offer career and technical dual credit to Meridian and Lauderdale County high school students.

Meridian Public School District Superintendent Sylvia Autry, Lauderdale County School District Superintendent Randy Hodges and Meridian Community College President Dr. Scott Elliott signed the memorandum Monday at a luncheon at Northwood Country Club.

"This program will help students advance their post-secondary transcript at Meridian Community College, and will get them well on their way to a program of study at MCC," said Richie McAlister, dean of occupational education at MCC.

According to college officials, the agreement is the first of its kind in that MCC is one of the first community colleges in the state to offer career and technical education dual credit. In the agreement, students in high school will receive credit on their high school transcripts for courses that they take at MCC.

"We have offered academic dual credit to high school for two years, but this is the first year we will be offering career and technical dual credit," said Nan Robinson, Tech Prep coordinator at MCC.

Beginning with the fall semester, five programs will be offered: Machine Tool Technology, Drafting and Design Technology, Telecommunications Technology, Graphics Communication Technology and Practical Nursing.

McAlister said that city and county students simultaneously receiving credit at high school as well as MCC is just one benefit of the program.

"We envision, eventually, that students will graduate from area high schools and they will be handed not only their high school diploma, but also an associate degree from Meridian Community College," he said.

        

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