Three years ago, Hardeman County Director of Schools, Dr. Christy Smith, and the Board of Education envisioned a bold new path for the future of their students — one that would significantly expand access to post-secondary education while students were still in high school. That vision became reality in 2023 with the launch of the Middle College program, in partnership with Jackson State Community College (JSCC).Middle College offers eligible 11th and 12th grade students the unique opportunity to earn college credit hours through JSCC while completing their high school education. The inaugural cohort in Fall 2023 included 30 students from both of the county’s high schools. As interest and support grew, the program expanded in its second year, now serving 35 students across the district. Admission to Middle College is selective. Students must either meet ACT college-readiness benchmarks and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.6 or complete a competitive application and interview process to be considered.“In 2022, we recognized a significant need in our district to expand post-secondary opportunities for our students. At the time, options for earning college credit in the high schools were limited,” said Dr. Smith. “Our partnership with JSCC has been truly transformative, enabling us to offer a comprehensive online program through which students can complete up to two full years of college before graduating high school.” The program reached a major milestone on May 3, 2025, when 21 high school students receive their Associate of Science degrees from Jackson State Community College. Most of the graduates earned their degrees with summa cum laude honors — a testament to their hard work and academic excellence.
“We are incredibly proud of the students who have embraced this opportunity and demonstrated such dedication in successfully earning college credits,” said Dr. Smith. As the Middle College program continues to grow, it stands as a shining example of how innovative partnerships and bold leadership can open new doors and transform the educational landscape for students in rural communities.