10/4/2018 - Jackson, Miss.
Governor Phil Bryant recently proclaimed October College Application Month in Mississippi, recognizing that the college application process may be a barrier to some high school students pursuing postsecondary education due to an absence of information or support and encouraging students to take advantage of assistance provided through the College Countdown MS events.
"Completing a college degree begins with completing a college application," said Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr., Commissioner of Higher Education. "I appreciate Governor Bryant highlighting the importance of obtaining a postsecondary degree and encouraging Mississippi's high school students to take this important first step."
October is College Application Month, highlighting the applications process and kicking off College Countdown MS events. The events are designed to provide information and support to high school students, particularly those who will be first-generation college students, as they complete applications to be admitted to college and seek financial aid to pay for tuition and other expenses.
The following schools are hosting College Countdown events:
College Countdown MS is part of a national effort, the American College Application Campaign. The mission is to help Mississippi high school seniors gain access to college through assistance with completing college applications, submitting the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the state grant application, and celebrating their acceptance to college.
Partners in College Countdown MS include the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning, the Mississippi Community College Board, the Mississippi Department of Education, and the Get2College Program of Woodward Hines Education Foundation.
Some of the activities planned for students include Application Day, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Days, and College Signing Day, which is designed to replicate the excitement of athletic signing days. Many of the activities will occur during the school day and focus on students who might not otherwise apply to college.
More information on College Countdown MS is available online: www.collegecountdownms.com.
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The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning governs the public universities in Mississippi, including Alcorn State University; Delta State University; Jackson State University; Mississippi State University including the Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine; Mississippi University for Women; Mississippi Valley State University; the University of Mississippi including the University of Mississippi Medical Center; and the University of Southern Mississippi.
The Woodward Hines Education Foundation (WHEF) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization working to help Mississippi students plan and pay for college. WHEF is committed to helping more Mississippians obtain postsecondary credentials, college certifications, and degrees that lead to meaningful employment. Since its inception, they have worked to increase college access and entry for young people in Mississippi and have expanded that work to support promising practices that lead to college persistence and completion. For more information, visit get2college.org.
John Sewell
Director of Communications
Telephone: 601.432.6333
