A joint effort by Midland Independent School District (MISD) and Midland College aims to introduce local philanthropic organizations to students starting at the sixth-grade level to prepare them for college. Dubbed the College and Career Connections (C3), the initiative will help students succeed at institutions of higher learning or in a career throughout the Permian Basin.
"The primary objective of C3 is to ensure that students are well-prepared for success in college and their professional lives," said Lori Haltom, executive director of the C3 program. "We see this as an evolving collaboration that provides the resources needed to guarantee Midland students make a purposeful transition from high school to college, the workforce, or military service."
According to a news release from Midland College, a C3 coach will partner with interested students and provide the necessary tutelage to help them transition out of high school by giving them tools to succeed. Among the topics that will be discussed with students are dual credit and post-secondary pathways, options available to pay for college, and career opportunities in the region if going to college isn’t in their plans. The MISD Boards of Trustees and Midland College are expected to give a preview of the program at the board’s June 25 meeting.
"At MISD, our mission is that students will graduate college, career or military ready, and C3 will be an integral part in helping make that a reality," said MISD Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Howard. "Through our collaboration with Midland College on the C3 initiative, we are committed to providing students with the tools and opportunities they need to excel beyond high school and are grateful to our local philanthropic partners who have made this a possibility for our students," Howard added.