Middle College participants in an ICC orientation session include, front, from left, Charlea Crayton, Jillian Babb; back, Matthew Butler, transition counselor Brittany Terrell, Savannah Scruggs and Griffin Autry. – Photo by Ryan Coon, Tupelo Public School District
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.