MS Scholars & Tech Master Info
For more info visit: https://msmec.com/public-education-forum/
What is Mississippi Scholars?
The Mississippi Scholars Initiative is an education program managed by the Public Education Forum of Mississippi, which utilizes business leaders to motivate students to complete a rigorous course of study in high school. This course path gives students a boost – not just for college but for life. The Initiative pairs trained local business leaders with classes of 8th grade students. These leaders present the students with a powerful presentation, which provides the rationale for the recommendation that students take more rigorous courses.
Purpose of Tech Master?
Develop a program under the Mississippi Scholars umbrella to encourage students to pursue and perform well in a tech-prep course of study, recognizing their achievements at graduation, as the Mississippi Scholars program currently recognizes those who pursue a college-bound course of study, with a particular emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Mississippi Scholars Curriculum
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
4 credits must consist of:
- English I (1)
- English II (1)
- Two additional English credits above English II and approved for admission to IHL
MATHEMATICS
4 credits must consist of:
- Algebra I (1)
- Geometry (1)
- Algebra II (1)
- And one Carnegie Unit of comparable rigor and content may come from Mathematics courses approved for Mississippi Scholars Credit
SCIENCE
4 credits must consist of:
- Biology I (1)
- Chemistry (1)
- Any 2 Carnegie Units of comparable rigor and content above Biology I and Chemistry (Physics [1] preferred). Additionally, 1 Carnegie unit may come from a Career Technical Education course.
SOCIAL STUDIES
4 credits must consist of:
- World Geography (1/2)
- Mississippi Studies (1/2)
- World History Studies (1)
- U.S. History (1)
- U.S. Government (1/2)
- Economics (1/2)
ARTS
1 credit of:
- One Carnegie Unit of visual and performing arts meeting the requirements for high school graduation or
- Two units for completion of the 2-course sequence Computer Graphics Technology I & II
ADVANCED ELECTIVES
2 credits must consist of:
- Two Foreign Languages or a 5th Math or 5th Science of higher rigor
- Any 2 dual credit courses
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- 40 hours of community or volunteer service during high school for seniors graduating in 2018-2021 (80 hours for seniors graduating in 2022 and later)
- Minimum of 18 ACT Composite Score (Overall Score) for seniors graduating in 2016 and later
- 2.5 cumulative high school GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Three letters of recommendation (one from each of the following — principal, guidance counselor and business/community leader for students with more than 4 in-school suspensions)
- 95% school attendance during 4 years of high school
- No out-of-school suspension
CLICK HERE for a list of approved courses that can be substituted for Mississippi Scholars Credit
Mississippi Scholars Tech Master Curriculum
*Flexibility to tailor courses to area of interest.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
(4 Credits) English
MATHEMATICS
(3 Credits) Math
- Algebra I
- Geometry
- Math above Algebra I (Course has to be related to program of study)
SCIENCE
(3 Credits) Science
- Biology I
- 2 courses above Biology I
SOCIAL STUDIES
(3 Credits) Social Studies
- American History
- Government
- MS Studies
OTHER COURSES
(1 Credit) Computer
(½ Credit) Health or PE
ELECTIVES
(2.5) Electives of your program of study
- 4 CTE Credits in the same area of study
- Must have 21 minimum credits - students can go the 21 or 24 credit route allowing time for internship
- Non-negotiable
Additional Requirements for Recognition of Mississippi Scholars Tech Master Listed Below:
- 40 hours of community or volunteer service during high school for seniors graduating in 2018-2021 (80 hours for seniors graduating in 2022 and later)
- Minimum of 18 ACT composite score (overall score) for seniors graduating in 2018-2021 (19 for seniors graduating in 2022 or later) or Minimum 36 ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test) or Silver Level WorkKeys
- 2.5 high school GPA
- 95% school attendance during high school years
- No out-of school suspension
- Must attain a passing score, as established by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE), on the Mississippi Career Planning and Assessment System (CPAS2) or a passing score on an MDE approved industry certification assessment.
Mississippi Scholars Tech Master must complete any remaining State-Mandated high school graduation requirements. Dual credit courses are acceptable.