Washtenaw Community College recently announced a partnership with Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley State University and Southern University at New Orleans to create a pathway to success for students transferring associate degrees. WCC’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion led development of the partnership to provide additional pathways to success for the college’s diverse student population.
This is the first known agreement between a Michigan community college and a Historically Black College & University (HBCU), actually three of them. These HBCUs offer a wealth of history and a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. This program not only guarantees admission to students who successfully complete requirements but also opens access to in-state tuition, scholarships, and application fee waivers. This provides a clear, direct, affordable and supportive pathway for community college students.
The Washtenaw Community College HBCU Pathway program provides student support mentoring from staff, faculty, and HBCU alumni. The program also arranges college tours at HBCUs, hosts community-building activities, holds monthly career workshops, and organizes a student leadership summit.
As WCC President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca said, “Creating a pipeline for student success is essential to our mission, and it starts with access, nurturing students with big dreams and helping them realize the opportunities to further their education.” One example of how WCC is creating access is by planning high school outreach events to highlight the new HBCU partnership as well as programming and support for WCC students planning to transfer to an HBCU.
Overall, this program is going to benefit a plethora of students wishing to continue their education at one of the three HBCUs, and congratulations to WCC for creating this opportunity that will benefit students for years to come.
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