Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is proud to announce a new partnership with Stone High School to introduce the Collegiate Academy program, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. This initiative will provide eligible high school students with the opportunity to earn an associate degree while completing their high school diploma, giving them a significant head start on their educational and career goals.

The Collegiate Academy program is designed for high-achieving students seeking an accelerated academic experience. Through a combination of dual credit courses, on-campus classes at MGCCC, and online learning opportunities, students will gain valuable college experience while still in high school. This innovative approach not only reduces the time and cost required to earn a degree but also provides students with a competitive edge for future college admissions, scholarships, and career opportunities.

Dr. Ladd Taylor, vice president of MGCCC’s Perkinston Campus, emphasized the significance of the partnership in expanding access to higher education.

“At MGCCC, we are committed to providing students with opportunities to excel academically and prepare for their future careers,” Taylor said. “The expansion of our Collegiate Academy program to Stone County High School is an exciting step in that mission. By offering high school students the ability to graduate with both a diploma and an associate degree, we are helping them achieve their goals faster and with greater confidence.”

This expansion reflects MGCCC’s ongoing commitment to fostering academic excellence and strengthening its partnerships with local school districts.

Boyd West, superintendent of Stone County School District, highlighted the benefits of this collaboration for students and their families.

“We are excited to partner with MGCCC to allow our students to expand their knowledge bases and skill sets to make them even more qualified for their futures,” he said. “The Collegiate Academy program gives students and their families the opportunity to save time and money and provides students with a head start in their careers, whether they choose to enter the workforce right away or continue their education. Expanding access to skills, credentials, and experiences will make them more competitive in the job market, college admission, and scholarship applications.”

With this partnership, MGCCC continues to lead the way in expanding educational opportunities for high school students, equipping them with the skills and credentials needed for success in higher education and beyond.

For more information about the Collegiate Academy program, visit mgccc.edu/collegiate-academy.