Video: Lee Co Seniors Can Get Dual Credit For Vo Tech Classes

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) -A partnership between Lee County Schools and ICC will allow students enrolled in vocational and technical classes to receive college credit.
WCBI’s Allie Martin has more on this unique program in Mississippi.

The vocational partnership was developed in about six weeks. It means students at Shannon, Saltillo and Mooreville High Schools will attend vocational classes for an hour each day at ICC’s Belden Campus.

“We wanted to be able to offer our kids opportunities, our graduates opportunities they have not been offered before but also wanted to give our graduates a taste of what the community college level is like,” said Lee County School Supt. Jimmy Weeks.

In August, students can get high school and college credit for each course completed. There are five clusters available; law enforcement, advanced manufacturing, marketing, welding and health sciences.

Depending on how many courses they take, students can earn up to 12 community college hours.

Dr. Michelle Sumerel is dean of e learning instruction for ICC. The community college has offered dual credit for academic courses, but she says the addition of the vocational and tech classes will have major benefits.

“Previously, students were only earning high school credit and then they had to choose a career and start a program from scratch. Now they’re going to be able to have earned a full semester of college credit and be a semester in,” Dr. Sumerel said.

For students in the advanced manufacturing cluster, after they complete the class, and get into ICC, they will have the opportunity to be in a paid internship program through Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi.

“It’s accelerated learning, accelerated pathways to get them into the job market more quickly,” Dr. Sumerel said.

Lee County Schools and ICC hope to expand the program next year, offering more courses and clusters.

An informational meeting for interested parents and students takes place this evening at 5 30 at the ICC Belden Campus.