Seniors at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS) now have an opportunity to pursue tuition-free college education courtesy of a new partnership with the University of Southern Mississippi.
Officials from both schools announced the scholarship agreement during a ceremony held Wednesday at MSMS which resides on the campus of the Mississippi University for Women in Columbus.
The announcement included the presentation of tuition scholarship certificates to all 106 seniors at MSMS. Students who graduate in May will receive an eight-semester award for full tuition to Southern Miss, with the requirement that they enroll for the fall 2024 semester.
“Having this new partnership with The University of Southern Mississippi is incredibly significant for us,” MSMS Interim Director Ginger Tedder said. “We deeply appreciate USM’s full-tuition scholarship offer for the Class of 2024. This will not only provide valuable financial support for our students but also help to address the brain drain in Mississippi by encouraging our talented students to stay in the state for higher education.”
Southern Miss President Dr. Joe Paul believes the partnership is a win-win for both institutions.
“We know that MSMS graduates are not only high ability but have also been well prepared for college by an elite faculty,” Paul said. “They have learned how to manage residential learning. They are ready for college, and when they leave Southern Miss, they will be ready for life. We consider this a strategic investment in Mississippi’s best and brightest.”
MSMS is the state’s only public, residential high school specifically designed to meet the needs of the state’s most academically gifted and talented 11th and 12th-grade students. With an emphasis in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education, the school offers innovative learning experiences, leadership development opportunities, and holistic residential life programs geared toward high-achievement students.
Application to MSMS is open to any sophomore student who resides in Mississippi. The applicant’s interest in mathematics, science, engineering, and technology is considered as well as past academic performance, standardized test scores, extracurricular interests, and accomplishments.
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