BANNER ELK, N.C.─ Lees-McRae College has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Avery County High School that creates a more accessible pathway toward higher education for high school students in the county.
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 Avery County High School students who attend the college.
“Lees-McRae College is excited to offer new opportunities for the students at Avery County High School. This partnership will allow more of our local students the chance to afford a private college education, as well as prepare them for a wide variety of academic and career fields,” Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management Kevin Phillips said. “The increased connections between the students, faculty, and staff at both Lees-McRae and Avery County High School will be invaluable for the students who participate and enroll. We look forward to a long and successful partnership.”
Programming Exchanges
The MOU establishes a plan for Lees-McRae faculty and staff to conduct programming at Avery County High School to help students prepare for college. This will include informational sessions about submitting FAFSA applications, NCAA eligibility and recruitment, and more.
In addition, Avery County 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, Avery County High School students can earn college credits while still in high school under a dual-enrollment model. Qualified Avery County 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 Avery County High School and must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above to participate in dual-enrollment courses.
This partnership provides Avery County 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 Avery 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 Avery County students who enroll full-time at Lees-McRae upon graduating from high school.
Students are not required to have participated in the Lees-McRae Pre-College Initiative to take advantage of this opportunity. Securing the 50% tuition discount is available to all students who attended high school in Avery County and who are accepted to Lees-McRae through the traditional application process.
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Photo caption: From left to right, Avery County High School Principal Jennifer O’Briant, Avery County Schools Superintendent Dan Brigman, Lees-McRae College President Lee King, and Lees-McRae College Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management Kevin Phillips sign the new memorandum of understanding between their institutions.
