MCC, Waco ISD sign agreement for college readiness program
September 23, 2009
McLennan Community College and Waco Independent School District held a press conference on Sept. 25 regarding their partnership in College Connection, a new college readiness program for seniors. MCC President Dr. Johnette McKown and Waco ISD Superintendent Dr. Roland Hernandez signed a participation agreement for the program.
The goal of the College Connection partnership is to help students realize the opportunities that exist after high school--specifically attending college. The program will provide one-on-one support at no cost to seniors at participating Waco ISD schools to help them navigate the college enrollment process.
"Many of the students we serve have parents who didn't attend college and therefore think that going to college is not possible," Hernandez said. "The College Connection partnership with MCC will help us change that mindset and brighten the future for thousands of students."
Through College Connection, students will complete college applications, take college readiness assessments, receive career and academic advising, and take campus tours. Students and their parents will also receive assistance in completing a financial aid application, and students will receive an acceptance letter to MCC at their graduation ceremonies.
"We are excited to have the opportunity to bring College Connection to Waco ISD," said Karen Clark, MCC's director of admissions and recruitment. "By bringing each step of the college admission process to high school seniors on their campus, we want to create the expectation that every graduate of Waco ISD can go to college."
College Connection was created in response to the state's Closing the Gaps initiative, which seeks to increase student enrollment in higher education.
For more information, contact MCC's Karen Clark at 299-8689 or kclark@mclennan.edu or Waco ISD's Dale Caffey at 755-9454 or dcaffey@wacoisd.org.