Joplin Schools and Missouri Southern State University are expanding their collaborative efforts to streamline the transition for local high school students moving into higher education. The new “Future-Ready Joplin” agreement, set to be formally signed next week, is designed to enhance support and resources for students considering college enrollment. Joplin Schools Superintendent Kerry Sachetta and Missouri Southern State University President Dean Van Galen will formalize the partnership on September 24 at 11 a.m. at Joplin High School.
Under the terms of the agreement, Missouri Southern State University will assign a dedicated admissions counselor specifically to assist Joplin students. This counselor will work directly with students to navigate the college application process, providing personalized guidance. Additionally, MSSU will host a series of application, enrollment, and financial aid events directly at Joplin High School, bringing vital resources and information directly to students within their familiar environment. The partnership will also increase opportunities for students to visit the university campus, allowing them to explore various degree and career programs and participate in broader university events, fostering a stronger connection to higher education. These new initiatives will complement and build upon the existing dual-credit programs already in place between Joplin High School and MSSU, which enable students to earn college credit while still in high school.
Research indicates that a hands-on, advising-focused approach to college preparation can significantly impact a student's likelihood of pursuing higher education. Data from the Missouri College Advising Corps suggests that students who receive dedicated college advising are 30% more likely to apply to at least one college. Furthermore, these students are 27% more likely to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for scholarships, which are critical steps in securing funding for a college education. The research also shows that students with adviser support are 20% more likely to be accepted into a postsecondary institution. A separate randomized study focusing on high school college advisers further supports these findings, concluding that students who received dedicated advising were more prone to enroll in college, highlighting the effectiveness of such direct support.
Financial aid assistance represents another crucial element of the expanded partnership. Federal education data highlights the importance of guidance in this area, finding that college-bound students who discussed financial aid options with a counselor were considerably more likely to complete the FAFSA compared to those who did not. By offering on-site events and a dedicated counselor, the “Future-Ready Joplin” agreement aims to address this need directly, helping more students access the financial resources necessary for college.
The formal signing of the “Future-Ready Joplin” agreement will take place at Joplin High School at 11 a.m. on September 24.
