Last Updated on July 23, 2025 3:35 pm
BANNER ELK, N.C.— In a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Watauga High School became the latest area high school to partner with Lees-McRae in the college’s ongoing efforts to build strong relationships with and provide higher education opportunities to local students.
The MOU includes three parts: programming exchanges, the Lees-McRae Pre-College Initiative, and discounted tuition for Watauga High School students who attend the college. The agreement is effective immediately and will begin serving students for the Fall 2025 semester.
“Being able to offer as many options for students as possible is always going to be a positive,” Watauga High School Principal Scott Strickler said at the MOU signing. “I really do want students to find their next step in the place they can be the most successful, and I think this really opens up an opportunity that we didn’t have prior to this.”
Programming Exchanges
Under the MOU, Lees-McRae faculty and staff will conduct programming at Watauga High School that aims to prepare students for college. This may include informational sessions about submitting FAFSA applications, NCAA eligibility and recruitment, and more.
In addition, Watauga 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
This initiative will give Watauga High School students the opportunity to earn college credits from Lees-McRae while in high school. Qualified Watauga 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. Participating students are responsible for textbook or additional course fees.
This initiative provides students with the opportunity to jump-start their college career and experience some of the unique experiential learning opportunities Lees-McRae has to offer.
Eligible students are Watauga High School juniors and seniors with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above. Students must maintain this GPA to participate in courses. 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
This MOU also offers Watauga High School students resources once they begin their college careers. The agreement established a 50% tuition discount for Watauga High School students who enroll at Lees-McRae full time following their high school graduation.
Students are not required to participate in the Lees-McRae Pre-College Initiative to take advantage of this opportunity. The 50% tuition discount is available to all students who graduated from Watauga High School and who are accepted to Lees-McRae through the traditional application process.
