Eight counties to help students attend community college

Cuts in financial aid could be on the horizon for many students. But in eight counties in the northeast part of the state, tuition for community college is now assured. Cari Gervin has more.

It took six months, but Randy Kelly finally got everyone convinced. Kelly is the director of the Three Rivers Planning and Development District, which kind of acts like a giant chamber of commerce for Calhoun, Itawamba, Lafayette, Lee, Monroe, Union, Chickasaw and Pontotoc Counties.

After Lafayette County passed a resolution earlier this month, students from all the eight neighboring counties are guaranteed grants for four semesters at a community college.

Randy Kelly says, “It may be, in the time that I’ve had the privilege of serving the local governments in this region, one of the finest programs that’s ever been initiated for the future of the young people and the young adults in this region.”

The multimillion-dollar Tuition Assistance Program will be funded with a 10-year commitment from Three Rivers and the county governments. A number of area businesses and non-profits are also involved.

Kelly says the program is the only one of its size in the south. He says the upfront investment may be steep, but the eventual benefits make it a financial no-brainer.

“Kids in this state that complete a two-year advanced education above high school, the state of Mississippi receives a return on their investment of a little in excess of $1.5 dollars to one.”

Every graduating senior in the participating counties is eligible for the grants, regardless of income or GPA.

For MPB News, I’m Cari Gervin in Oxford.