Last Updated on June 10, 2024 4:42 pm
BANNER ELK, N.C.─ A new Memorandum of Understanding between Lees-McRae College and Mitchell High School continues the college’s efforts to create strong relationships with local high schools and provide opportunities to area students.
The MOU, which is effective immediately and will commence for the Fall 2024 semester, includes three parts that establish a strong relationship between the institutions: programming exchanges, the Lees-McRae Pre-College Initiative, and discounted tuition for Mitchell High School students who attend the college.
Programming Exchanges
The MOU establishes a plan for Lees-McRae faculty and staff to conduct programming at Mitchell High School to help students prepare for college. This may include informational sessions about submitting FAFSA applications, NCAA eligibility and recruitment, and more.
In addition, Mitchell High School students will be invited to the college’s campus to get acquainted with the unique academic opportunities Lees-McRae has to offer. This may include, among other things, tours of the college’s May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and Elk Valley Preserve and Field Station.
Lees-McRae Pre-College Initiative
Through the Lees-McRae Pre-College Initiative, Mitchell High School students can earn college credits while still in high school. Qualified Mitchell High School juniors and seniors will be eligible to enroll in one (1) main campus or online/distance learning Lees-McRae College course per semester at no tuition cost. Course assignments will be based on availability and course placement will be determined by the college. Students will be responsible for any textbook or additional course fees.
Students who are eligible to enroll in the Initiative must be in their junior or senior year at Mitchell High School and must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above to participate in courses.
This partnership provides Mitchell High School students with a valuable opportunity to jump-start their college careers and experience some of the unique experiential learning opportunities that Lees-McRae has to offer.
To apply for the program, candidates must complete the college’s Undergraduate Application and select the “Visiting Student” option. There is no application fee. Following application submission, students who match the criteria will also be required to undergo a brief interview with Lees-McRae College enrollment staff and work directly with them to establish next steps.
Discounted Lees-McRae Tuition
In addition to the opportunities this agreement provides Mitchell County students while still in high school, there are also resources built in once they begin their college career. The MOU offers a 50% tuition discount for Mitchell High School students who enroll full-time at Lees-McRae upon graduating.
Students are not required to have participated in the Lees-McRae Pre-College Initiative to take advantage of this opportunity. The 50% tuition discount is available to all students who attended Mitchell High School and who are accepted to Lees-McRae through the traditional application process.
Learn more about applying to Lees-McRae >>
Photo caption: From left to right, Mitchell High School Principal Cole Chester, Mitchell County Schools Superintendent Chad Calhoun, Lees-McRae College President Lee King, and Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management Kevin Phillips gather at Mitchell High School to ratify the Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions.
