All Mexico High School students enrolled in dual credit (DC) courses for fall semester had their classes paid for by the Perkins Innovation & Modernization (PIM) Grant through the US Department of Education and attained by C2C.

In total, the PIM grant covered 131 MHS students enrolled in 674 dual credit courses.

Dominique Carpenter was sitting in the library when she received word that her balance due for her American History dual credit course was zero. The first person she texted was her mother.

“This allows me to focus on my assignments in Mr. Schenewerk’s class and keep learning without the burden of financial stress on me or my mom. It's a fantastic opportunity, and I couldn't be more grateful!” Carter registered for the class because several upperclassmen shared with her to enroll in college credit courses; she also enjoys American History.

Senior Dylan Reid is enrolled in dual credit Composition I, online with Mrs. Galloway, and American Government, instructed by Mr. Senor. He spent the summer saving up so he could pay for half of the classes and alleviate the expense from his mom. “When Mrs. Yancey told me no payment was due, I thought she was kidding. The first person I told was my mom, and it was a huge relief off our shoulders.”

Dylan plans to attend Missouri State University in Springfield to major in Music Education and minor in English. “I enrolled in Dual Credit classes so that I could get a head start on my general education credits that most colleges require.”

DC classes at MHS include College Biology, Physics, American Government, and American History to 1865.  Comp I and a dozen other online options are offered through Moberly Area Community College (MACC).

The PIM Grant gives students academic and workforce opportunities and provides more options for students following graduation. This initiative also emphasizes broadening access and opportunities for disadvantaged students, ensuring that every student has the chance to succeed.

An application process for student assistance with dual credit courses called Clearing the Path is already in place at MHS. Bright Futures Mexico covers the cost of the dual credit classes for students who need assistance with registration costs. Since 2019, Bright Futures has awarded several scholarships, ranging from $1,500 to $10,000 a semester.

When the applications were received and reviewed this semester, the committee realized PIM grant monies may be able to help even more students. As the class assistance was calculated, Superintendent Troy Lentz requested PIM funds for all the students enrolled. “I am so excited about how this grant allowed us to support our students and our families.  I’m thankful for the partnership our district has with PRI and with C2C. Their efforts made this possible.”

In September when the registration monies were due, parents of students enrolled in the dual credit courses received a message from Mexico High School sharing the good news, “The district has also been notified that all students enrolled in a dual credit course at MHS this semester will not be charged for the class due to a U.S. Department of Education grant attained through C2C.”

Senior mom Leah Webber shared, “My daughter is enrolled in 14 credit hours this semester. We were shocked that it was paid for! We are very appreciative. Thinking about how many other parents and students this helped, having their first semester classes paid for, may allow students to enroll in more next semester! Thank you, C2C and MPS!”

As part of the PIM grant, C2C and the district continue to actively explore other avenues for students and staff, including supporting staff members who would like to attain dual credit teaching certification and expanding access to career-connected high school programs that align with the local labor market.

C2C is a collaboration of The Tyronn Lue Fund and Partners for Rural Impact (PRI). C2C is committed to improving cradle-to-career outcomes in the community and builds on Lue’s ongoing philanthropic efforts in Mexico. For more information on C2C, visit their website at c2cmexmo.org.

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Read: Mexico Public Schools secures PIM Grant, February 2024