Middle College Program Gives Students a Head Start

Cumberland County School District is partnering with Roane State Community College to offer high school juniors and seniors a head start on their college careers.

Middle College Director David Lane said the program allows students to earn college credit and receive a two-year degree upon graduating high school.

“The students get exposure to the college classroom and college environment,” Lane said. “They learn significant amounts of time management, which is one of those skills that follows them on to the university.”

Lane reminds students in the program to be prepared as they get set to enter the college environment.

“It is college, it is hard, it’s tough,” Lane said. “You are going to dedicate a lot of time to your studies and a lot more than what they may be used to. But for the student [who is] going to be in college for 10 to 12 years – if they’re going to be in medical school or law school or something like that – they’re two years ahead of the game.”

Approximately 16 students are participating in the program during the 2018-2019 academic year between Cumberland County and Stone Memorial high schools. Lane said the program will be beneficial for all involved.

“It’s a really good opportunity for the student who does want the extra challenge and to get ahead of their competition,” Lane said. “It’s a really good opportunity for them to do that.”

Students in the program will take classes at Roane State in the mornings each semester before returning to the high schools in the afternoons.

Lane said financial aid is provided to students in the program. Those in the program will receive $600 off their tuition per semester under the Middle College Scholarship passed by Tennessee legislatures. Available classes may vary between the Roane State campuses.