DeSoto County Schools (DCS) and Mississippi University for Women (The W) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish eight career pathway programmes, broadening affordable career exploration opportunities for high school students.
The agreement was signed on Monday, 1 December, during a ceremony at DeSoto County Schools, with University President Nora Miller and DCS Superintendent Cory Uselton present.
“DeSoto County Schools is always seeking innovative ways to increase opportunities for our students. Partnering with Mississippi University for Women allows us to provide even more pathways for students to begin their postsecondary journey with confidence,” said Uselton. “We look forward to the positive impact this will have on students across our district.”
“This partnership opens exciting opportunities for Desoto County Schools students to explore their interests and start on an affordable path to their college success,” added Miller.
Under the agreement, tuition for courses included in The W’s Dual Enrollment Pathways will be fully covered by a university scholarship. Other dual enrollment or dual credit courses available to DCS students will be charged at a partner school rate.
The career pathways include business, education, nursing, leadership and career readiness, culinary arts, healthcare, and educator career tech programmes. Each pathway comprises three courses, allowing students to explore career options while simultaneously meeting degree requirements, saving both time and money.
“The W is excited to collaborate with DeSoto County Schools through this dual-enrollment partnership. These pathways provide DCS’s talented students with rigorous academic preparation and an early start in programmes aligned with the critical workforce needs of our state,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Scott Tollison.
DCS Director of High Schools Sara Jane Russell highlighted the pre-nursing coursework available to students. “Through this partnership, our students will now have access to MUW’s pre-nursing coursework—an incredible opportunity for them to experience rigorous, university-level classes and get an early start on their healthcare careers,” she said.
Eligibility for dual enrollment requires students to be juniors or higher with a minimum 3.0 GPA and a composite ACT score of at least 16. Students not classified as juniors may be admitted with a minimum 3.0 GPA and a composite ACT score of 30 or equivalent SAT score. Dual enrollment courses will begin in spring 2026.
