SCRANTON, Pa. – MMI Preparatory School, located in Freeland near Hazleton, approved a pre-college agreement with Lackawanna College, allowing MMI students to earn college credits while still in high school.
This agreement, finalized in October 2024, follows an extensive evaluation process in which MMI reviewed area colleges and selected Lackawanna College to partner on pre-college programs.
“Jennifer Novotney (MMI Director of Curriculum and Instruction) and I met with about a dozen colleges and universities this summer, and very quickly Lackawanna College rose to the top, not only because of the college's experience with pre-college programs but also because of the ability to work together and act quickly.” said Dr. Tammy M. Chrin, Ed.D., Director of College Counseling at MMI Preparatory School.
Currently, 40 eligible MMI students will benefit from the initiative, and the program is already implemented and managed collaboratively by MMI and Lackawanna College staff.
“I am excited to work with MMI, its staff, faculty and students. This partnership will help students earn college credits before graduating high school and save their families thousands of dollars in the process. “We are proud to be a part of this process for MMI families.” said Phillip Campbell, director of university partnerships at Lackawanna College.
MMI students have the flexibility to take classes online, attend courses at Lackawanna College's Hazleton Center, or participate in concurrent classes taught at MMI High School.
“Our students are really excited about the concurrent enrollment opportunities that are available. We currently have 29 credits available during the junior and senior years for which students can earn college credit,” Dr. Chrin said. “I have introduced associate degree options to our students through the Level Up program and we have several students, especially our sophomore class, who are considering pursuing an associate degree before earning their high school diploma.”
Lackawanna College promotes the following goals through its partnership with MMI Preparatory School:
- Allow high school students to earn college credits, saving time and money to achieve their higher education goals.
- Provide exposure to college-level courses, easing the transition from high school to higher education.
- Offer pathways to career-focused programs.
- Help students explore fields of study before committing to a major.
“This is something we have been looking at for quite some time here at MMI, a partnership that gives us the opportunity to offer our students concurrent and dual enrollment classes.” said Marci Hosier, assistant principal of school at MMI.. “We know this is something extremely timely and relevant for our students and their families, and our staff has done a fantastic job working with Lackawanna College to get this off the ground.”
About MMI High School
For 145 years, MMI Preparatory School has provided the area's dedicated students with a comprehensive and inspiring college preparation program in grades 6-12 that maximizes the academic, social, and character potential of each individual in preparation for success in college and beyond. The school is jointly accredited by the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) and the Middle States Association of School and College Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS). MMI is a school where every student can reach their full potential: academic, ethical and social. For more information about MMI Preparatory School, visit www.mmiprep.org or call 570-636-1108.
About the Lackawanna College Pre-College Program Lackawanna College's pre-college programs provide high school students the opportunity to jump-start their college journey by earning credits while still in high school. These programs offer flexibility, allowing students to take college-level courses online, on campus, or directly within their high schools. By participating, students can save on tuition costs, explore diverse academic disciplines, and gain valuable experience that prepares them for the transition to higher education. With a focus on academic enrichment and college preparation, Lackawanna College empowers students to take the first step toward achieving their educational goals.
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